#  Safe Medications During Pregnancy 

 

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There are many medicines that are safe to take during pregnancy. Below is a list of common pregnancy discomforts and the over-the-counter medicines and remedies that are safe to use for them.

## Allergies

- Claritin, Benadryl, Dimetapp, Zyrtec
- Visine or Naphcon-A eye drops

## Congestion or Stuffiness (from a Head Cold)

- Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
- Robitussin
- CF, Tavist D, Ocean Mist nasal spray (saline solution), 4-way Nasal

**Do not use:** Alka-Seltzer Cold & Flu

## Constipation

- Citrucel, Colace, Fibercon
- Fiberall, Metamucil
- Prune juice; dried prunes, apricots, or other “stone fruit”

## Coughing

- Robitussin or Robitussin DM
- Mucinex Cough (guaifenesin)
- Chloraseptic/Cepacol

## Diarrhea

- Try the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
- You may take **one dose** of Imodium. If symptoms don’t improve, call your provider.

**Call or come in if you have a fever, or if your symptoms haven’t improved in 2 to 3 days.**

## Heartburn, Indigestion, Gas

- Tums, Maalox, Gas-X, Mylanta (safe to take after the first 12 weeks)
- Tagamet, Zantac Acid, Gaviscon
- Pepcid or Pepcid AC

**Do not use:** Pepto-Bismol, Rolaids, Kaopectate, or Alka-Seltzer

## Hemorrhoids

- Preparation H
- Anusol cream
- Tucks pads; witch hazel pads

## Insomnia (Trouble Sleeping)

- Benadryl
- Tylenol PM (do not exceed recommended dosage)
- Unisom

## Nausea (Upset Stomach)

- Half (½) Unisom with vitamin B6
- Small, frequent meals
- Ginger ale, ginger, ginger tea
- Vitamin B6
- Sea Bands (a form of acupressure worn on your wrists)

[Get More Tips for Managing Nausea](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/your-body/morning-sickness "Bump & Beyond: Tips for Morning Sickness | Boston Medical Center")

**Come in to see provider if you’re unable to keep liquids down for more than 24 hours.**

## Pain (Including Headache)

- Tylenol (acetaminophen) for minor aches and pains or headaches
- Tylenol Extra Strength: two tablets every 4 hours (not more than 8 tablets in 24 hours)

**Do not use:** Advil or Aleve, unless your provider tells you otherwise

### Aspirin During Pregnancy

Your provider may recommend taking a [baby aspirin](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/medical-care/understanding-aspirin-pregnancy "Bump & Beyond: Understanding Aspirin in Pregnancy | Boston Medical Center") (81 mg) every day starting at 12 weeks to help prevent [high blood pressure in pregnancy](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/medical-care/high-blood-pressure-and-preeclampsia "Bump & Beyond: High Blood Pressure and Preeclampsia | Boston Medical Center"). This is safe for you and your baby.



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