Safe Medicine You Can Take During Pregnancy

Is it safe for me to take medications while I am pregnant? In the first 8 weeks of pregnancy, it is best to avoid any medications if possible. This is the main time of organ development in the fetus. Therefore, prevent from using any over-the-counter medications during this time.

What can I do for the first 8 weeks?

Before taking over-the-counter medications, try other ways to relieve your symptoms. For cold and cough symptoms: rest, drink extra fluids, and use a cool mist vaporizer 18 inches from your face. Occasionally you may be prescribed medication during this time for nausea and other symptoms.

What If I Have To Take Medications?

Regardless of whether you’re taking over-the-counter medications or prescriptions, remember, the healthier you are, the healthier your baby will be! Should you have questions about medications, or if symptoms continue, call us between 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Monday-Friday at (318) 798-4400. If it’s after hours, you can call the hospital at (318) 681-5447 and speak to a nurse. If it’s an emergency, stay on the office line and page the Doctor on call through the answering service.

What Over-The-Counter Medications Can I Take Safely?

Nausea

Dramamine (If no relief, call the office)

Cold Symptoms & Allergies

Benadryl or Chlor-Trimenton (anti-histamine, anti-allergy)
Tylenol Flu, Cold, Sinus, & Allergy
Mucinex or Sudafed (decongestant)
Actifed (anti-histamine & decongestant)
Afrin Nasal Spray – 2 puffs every 12 hours (nasal saline for dryness & nasal congestion)
(NO OTHER TYPE OF NASAL SPRAY MAY BE USED!!!!)

Cough Symptoms

Robitussin or Robitussin DM
If cough is productive with green or yellow sputum, call the office

Constipation

Colace (Docusate) – 100mg twice a day
Milk of Magnesia – 2 tablespoons every evening
Citrate of Magnesia – 1 bottle no more than once a week
Metamucil – 1 heaping tablespoon with 8 oz. water or juice per day.
- With Metamucil, you must drink at least 6 glasses (8 oz.) of water every day

DO NOT USE MINERAL OIL!!!!!

Headaches or Body Aches

Tylenol (or any acetaminophen preparations) up to 650 mg every 6 hours
DO NOT take any Aspirin or Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) unless authorized to do so by your Doctor
If headache persists for 24 hours, causes visual disturbances, or numbness/tingling in extremities, call the office at (318) 798-4400

Fever or Chills

If your temperature is over 99.5°F, you can take up to 650 mg of Tylenol every 6 hours.
If fever exceeds 101.5°F, call the office at (318) 798-4400.
If calling after hours, have the answering service page the Doctor on call.

Diarrhea

Imodium – take as directed on label. If no relief, call the office.

For more information, contact a Highland Clinic near you. Our dedicated team is ready to provide personalized healthcare solutions.

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