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Safe medications during pregnancy

Missouri Poison Center can be reached 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 1.800.222.1222.

Over-The-Counter Medications & Common Pregnancy Concerns

Generally speaking, it is best not to take any medications during pregnancy, especially during the first 12-13 weeks. However, there is no evidence that the medications listed in the table below are harmful, and they may be used sparingly. Please follow dosage instructions on the label and call your provider if symptoms persist or you have questions.

It is important to remember that you MAY NOT USE Ibuprofen products during pregnancy.

Symptoms Medication
Aches & Pains Tylenol (Maximum dose 4000mg daily)
lndigestion & Heartburn Maalox, Mylanta, Pepcid, Tagamet, Prilosec, Rolaids and TUMS with a maximum of eight (8) per day on both of these
Cough and Sore Throat Chloraseptic, Guaifenesin, Non-alcohol cough syrup, Sucrets, Robitussin, Robitussin DM, Mucinex DM (at night)
Upper Respiratory System Actifed, Afrin Nasal Spray (use no longer than three days), Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton, Ocean Mist Nasal Spray, Sudafed (do not take if blood pressure is elevated), Triaminic
Nausea and Vomiting Doxylamine (12.5 - 25mg at night), Vitamin B6 (25mg three times daily)
Constipation and Gas Citrucel, Colace (docusate Colace), Fibercon, Gas-X, Milk of Magnesia, Metamucil, Peri-colace
Hemorroids AnuSol HC, Prepartion H, Tucks Pads
Diarrhea Immodium


In addition to the information provided in the table, please be advised of the concerns below.

Cold, Flu & Minor Aches & Pains: If you have high blood pressure, it may be advisable to avoid Sudafed and similar medications, as they may raise your blood pressure.

Fevers: If you have a temperature of 100.4 F or greater, please call the office.

Yeast: A seven-day course of Monistat/Clotrimazole is most effective and safest during pregnancy.

Herbs & Supplements: Please check with your Physician prior to use.

If you have further questions, please contact your OB provider.

Download Safe Medications During Pregnancy PDF

Baje el document PDF de los medicamentos seguros durante el embarazo