What Medications Can I Take?

pregnant woman taking medicine.One of the most commonly asked questions a newly expectant mother asks is related to medication. 

If you are taking prescription medications,  you will need to discuss them with your doctor or nurse-midwife. 

The following medications which are over-the-counter  (OTC) medications, are safe for mom and baby.   Of course, if you have concerns about the OTC medications, ask your provider.

Click the red button to download the list or simply view the webpage below to review the safe OTC medications.

Over the Counter Meds and Remedies That are Safe in Pregnancy

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Allergy relief

  • Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton Allergy Tablets, Zyrtec)
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Diphenhist, Genahist, Nasacort)
  • Loratadine (Alavert, Claritin, Tavist ND, Triaminic allerchews, Flonase)

Cough or cold

  • Cough Drops
  • Dextromethorphan (Benylin, Scot-Tussin DM, Vicks 44 Cough Relief)
  • Guaifensein (Hytuss, Mucinex, Naldecon Senior EX, Robitussin)
  • Guaifensein plus Dextromethorphan (Benylin Expectorant, Robitussin DM, Vicks 44E)
  • Vicks Vapor Rub
  • Avoid medications that contain alcohol or the decongestants pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine

Constipation

  • Psyllium (Konsyl-D, Metamucil, Modane Bulk, Perdiem)
  • Polycarbophil (Equalactin, Fiber-Lax, FiberNorm, Konsyl-Fiber, Mitrolan)
  • Methylcellulose (Citrucel, Unifiber)
  • Stool Softeners (Colace, Dulcolax, Maltsupex, Milk of Magnesia)

Diarrhea

  • Imodium
  • Kaopectate II
  • Maalox Anti-Diarrheal

First-aid

  • A&D Ointment
  • Aveeno Oatmeal Bath
  • Benadryl Cream
  • Hydrocortisone (Cortaid, Lanacort)
  • Neosporin
  • Polysporin

Gas Pain

  • Simethicone (Gas-x, Maalox Anti-gas, Mylanta Gas, Mylicon)

Headaches

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Caffeine
  • Magnesium
  • Rest

Heartburn

  • Antacids (Maalox, Mylanta, Pepcid AC, Rolaids, Tagamet, Tums, Zantac)

Hemorrhoids

  • Anusol
  • Preparation H
  • Tucks Pads
  • Witch Hazel

Insomnia

  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Nytol, Sominex)
  • Doxylamine succinate (Maximum Strength Unisom Sleepgels)
  • Tylenol PM (Acetominophen and Diphenhydramine)

Nausea

  • Fluids
  • Frequent Snacks
  • Ginger
  • Vitamin B6 100mg tablet

Sore throat

  • Cough Drops
  • Cepacol Lozenges
  • Chloroseptic spray
  • Mouthwash

Yeast Infections

  • Butoconazole (Femstat 3, Mycelex 3)
  • Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)
  • Clotrimazole (Cruex, Gyne-Lotrimin 3, Lotrimin, Mycelex 7)
  • Miconazole (Desenex, Femizol-M, Micatin, Monistat 3)
  • Terbinafine (Lamisil AT)
  • Tioconazole (Monistat 1, Vagistat 1)