Preg Med

Pregnancy Articles

Medications during Pregnancy

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Thyroid medication Westhroid, Armour Thyroid (thyroid desiccated)Category A [76]no serious side effects have been reported apart from hair loss in some individuals [81]
Common Pregnancy ComplaintsPregnancy-Safe MedicationsFDA CategoryCommon Side Effects
Cold, cough, flu and sore throat medicines during pregnancyMucinex, Glytuss (guaifenesin) – expectorant [2]Category C [3]Dizziness Headache Diarrhea Skin Rash Hives Nausea/Vomiting Stomach Pain
Robitussin DM, Balminil DM (dextromethorphan) – cough suppressant [4]Category C [5]Blurred vision Confusion, restlessness Drowsiness Nausea/vomiting Slowed breathing Stomach pain Shakiness/palpitation [6]
Benylin Expectorant (guaifenesin-dextromethorphan) [7]Category CDizziness Stomach Upset Drowsiness [8]Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, swelling of the face/mouth [9])
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) – cough suppressant [10]Category B [11]Fatigue, dizziness Headache Dry mouth Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face/mouth, lips and tongue [12])
Sucrets lozenges (over-the-counter dyclonine) sore throat relief [13]Category CNo common side effects have been reported [14] Contact your doctor in case of allergic reactions (hives, itching, breathing difficulty, swelling of the face/mouth)
Cough drops [15]–No common side effects have been reported
Pain medicationTylenol, Panadol, Anacin Aspirin-Free (acetaminophen/paracetamol) [16,17]Category B oral and rectal use [18]Category C in IV form [19]Skin rash Hives Blisters or skin peeling Itching Difficulty breathing Swelling of the face, mouth, throat, hands and feet A long-term study associated the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) in pregnancy with an increased risk of having a child with ADHD. However, conclusive research is still required [20].
Fever, headache and migraine medicinesTylenol (acetaminophen)
Morning sickness, vomiting, nausea medicines for pregnancyEmetrol (phosphoric acid/ fructose/dextrose) [21]Category CFructose intolerant women may experience –Fainting Swelling of face, legs and arms Weight loss Vomiting Yellow eyes or skin Large doses may lead to abdominal pain and diarrhea [22].
Oral vitamin B6 [23]Category A(assigned to category C when the daily intake is higher than the RDA)Large doses may cause clumsiness and numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet [24]
Dramamine (over the counter dimenhydrinate) anti-nausea and vomiting medicine [23]Category BBlurred vision Drowsiness Headache, dizziness Ringing of the ears Dryness of the mouth Palpitation Incoordination [25]
Constipation medicines and stool softeners Colace 50mg/100mg (docusate) [15]Category C  [26]Bloating Gas Bitter taste in the mouth Stomach pain Diarrhea Rectal irritation Throat irritation Allergic reactions [27]
Metamucil (psyllium)Category B [28]Minor gas and bloatingAbdominal discomfort [29]
Unifiber, Citrucel (methylcellulose) [16]Not classified (should be used only when absolutely necessary)Abdominal fullness and discomfort Severe side effects –Allergic reactions (rashes, itching, breathing problems) Chest pain Nausea, vomiting Difficulty swallowing [30]
Ex-Lax Milk of Magnesia (milk of magnesia) [31]Category A [32]Diarrhea Allergic reactions (rashes, itching, difficulty breathing)Appetite loss Nausea, vomiting
Diarrhea medicineImodium (loperamide)Category C[33]Dizziness Vomiting Constipation Dry mouth Stomach pain Serious side effects –Skin rash Itching Difficulty breathing
 Parepectolin (attapulgite oral)Not classified; not absorbed after oral administration and therefore is believed to be harmless [34]Constipation Bloating Flatulence Stomach Upset Nausea [35]
Heartburn, acid reflux or acid indigestion and upset stomachZantac (ranitidine)Category B [36]Constipation Nausea Stomach pain Headache [37]
Mylanta (aluminum/magnesium/simethicone)Category C [38]Nausea Constipation/diarrhea Headache Allergic reactions (skin rash, hives, itching, breathing difficulty) [39]
Tums (calcium carbonate)Category C [40]No common side effects have been reported. Some may develop allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face/mouth) [41]
Riopan (magaldrate-oral)Category C [42]Loss of appetite Diarrhea/constipation [43]
Gaviscon (aluminum/magnesium trisilicate)Category C [44]There are usually no side effects except for constipation or diarrhea [45]. Allergic reactions may occur in some individuals
Gas and bloating medicationsGas X, Mylanta Gas (simethicone)Category C [46]No serious side effects have been reported. Contact your doctor in case of any suspected adverse effects. [47]
Decongestants and sinus medicationsOcean Mist Nasal Spray (OTC intranasal sodium chloride) [48]Category ANo serious side effects have been reported
Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) [49]Category C [50] in second and third trimestersNot recommended during the first trimesterHeadache Restlessness Insomnia Nausea, vomiting Nervousness Increased blood pressure [50]
Sleeplessness and insomniaBenadryl (Diphenhydramine) [16]Category B
Unisom Sleep-Aid (Doxylamine succinate) [51]Category B [52]Drowsiness Dizziness and headache Constipation Stomach upset Decreased coordination Dry mouth [53]
Blood pressure medicationMethyldopa (prescription medication)Category B [54]Headache Drowsiness Swelling of the feet and ankles Vomiting Upset stomach Muscle weakness Diarrhea Dry mouth [55]
Trandate (Labetalol, prescription medication) [56]Category C [57]Fatigue Headache and lightheadedness Tingling sensations on the skin Upset stomach Stuffy nose [58]
Allergy medicines while pregnantChlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine)Category C [59]Constipation/diarrhea Dizziness Drowsiness Dry mouth Headache Loss of appetite Nausea Anxiety Trouble sleeping Vomiting [60]
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine)Category B
Claritin (loratadine, an antihistamine)Category BHeadache Fatigue Dry mouth [82]
Yeast infection and other fungal infections (e.g. athlete’s foot)Monistat-1 (tioconazole)Category C [61]Headache urethral or vaginal pain/burning/itching [62]
Terazol 7 Vaginal (terconazole)Category C [63]Headache Serious side effects –Burning or irritation in the vagina Fever Stomach pain unusual vaginal discharge [64]
Mycelex 7, Lotrimin AF (Clotrimazole vaginal cream) [16]Category B [65]Burning, swelling, irritation, redness, pimple-like bumps and flaking of the treated skin area Stomach pain Fever Foul-smelling discharge [66]
Topical Mentax (butenafine)Category C [67]Irritation, burning, redness and itching of the treated skin area [68]
HemorrhoidAnusol HC (hydrocortisone rectal, prescription)Category CBurning sensation after application Sensitivity reactions (skin rash, scaly skin) [69]
Tucks (pramoxine)Not classified; should not be used unless potential benefits outweigh possible risks [71]Burning or stinging sensation after application [70]
Preparation H (phenylephrine/mineral oil/petrolatum)Category C[72]No serious side effects have been reported. May lead to allergic reactions in some individuals. [73]
Thyroid medicationWesthroid, Armour Thyroid (thyroid desiccated)Category A [76]no serious side effects have been reported apart from hair loss in some individuals [81]
Cytomel, Triostat (liothyronine)Category A [79]Nausea and hair loss are the only common side effects [74]
Seizure medicationsVitamin B6
Aptiom (eslicarbazepine acetate)Category C [75]Consulting your doctor is recommended to assess the potential risks and benefits as leaving seizures untreated can be harmful for both the mother and baby [77]
Antibiotic medicationsPenicillin VCategory B [80]Fast breathing Joint pain Light headedness Fever [78]
AmoxicillinCategory B [113]Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Headache Stomach pain Vaginal discharge [112]

Medicines to avoid during pregnancy

Use of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), anti-depressants and anxiety medications is not recommended at any stage of pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.
Pregnancy ailmentName of the MedicationFDA CategoryAdverse effects during pregnancy
Treatment of fever, headache, pain and inflammation (NSAIDs)AspirinCategory C in first and second trimesters Category D in the third trimester [85]Fetal complications and birth defects such as pulmonary hypertension in the newborn babies Complications at the time of delivery [89, 90]
Advil, Motrin, Nuprin (ibuprofen)Category C before 30th week of gestation Category D after 30th week of gestation [83]
Anaprox, Aleve, Naprosyn (naproxen)Category C before week 30Category D for prolonged use after week 30 [86]
Anti-diarrheal medicinesPepto-Bismol, Kaopectate (bismuth subsalicylate)Category C in first and second trimestersCategory D in third trimester [88]Intrauterine growth problems and serious birth defects Complications during delivery [84]
Depression and anxiety medicationsXanax (alprazolam)Category D [92]Increased risk of congenital defects when taken in the first trimester Birth defects, developmental problems and floppy baby syndrome [94]
Paxil (paroxetine)Category D [87]Use in early pregnancy can lead to serious fetal heart defects [91]Use in third trimester may lead to withdrawal symptoms including feeding problems, breathing difficulty, muscle stiffness, seizures and constant crying [97]
Celexa (citalopram)Category C [95]Congenital malformations signs of withdrawal after birth, like constant crying, feeding difficulties, breathing problems, seizures etc (when used during the third trimester) [93]
Zoloft (sertraline)Category C [98]Increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn or PPH NU se in the last few months are associated with congenital complications often requiring respiratory assistance and tube feeding [100]
Prozac (fluoxetine)Category C [96]Use in late third trimester may lead to serious breathing problems, feeding difficulty, muscle stiffness and other symptoms of withdrawal in the newborn baby [99]
Bipolar disorder medicationsKlonopin (clonazepam)Category D [102]May lead to serious birth defects and problems in the newborn baby. Consulting your doctor is recommended if taking the medication for seizure management as untreated seizure during pregnancy is also harmful for both the mother and baby. [103]
TopamaxCategory D [101]

FDA Category X medicines

The medicines included in the following list are not recommended in pregnancy under any circumstances due to possible fatal outcomes.
Name of medicineUseAdverse effects
Coumadin (warfarin)Anticoagulant or blood thinner used to prevent blood clotting disorders as well as reduce the risks of stroke and heart attack [106]When taken in the first trimester: Bilateral optic atrophy, bone malformations, nasal hypoplasia and learning disabilities (fetal warfarin syndrome) [105]When taken in second and third trimesters: Fatal maternal or fetal hemorrhage, microcephaly, increased risk of miscarriage [104]
Trexall, Rheumatrex (methotrexate)Management of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, treatments of certain cancers including the skin, lungs and breast cancers [109]Serious congenital deformities and fetal death [107]
Claravis, Sotret (isotretinoin)Treatment of severe nodular acne unresponsive to any other treatment options, including antibiotics [108]Spontaneous abortion, premature delivery, birth defects, physical deformities, skull malformations, central nervous system and cardiovascular system defects [110]
DanazolTreating fibrocystic breast disease and endometriosis, preventing hereditary angioedema attacks [111]Life threatening congenital defects