What medicines are safe for pregnant women to take for cough and cold symptoms? Discover the facts about over-the-counter and prescription options that can provide relief without harming your baby.

Navigating Cough Medications During Pregnancy

When you’re expecting, your immune system isn’t functioning at full capacity, making you more susceptible to common colds and their associated symptoms like a nagging cough. While colds are generally an annoyance rather than a serious health concern, finding safe and effective relief can be tricky during pregnancy. It’s important to consult your OBGYN before taking any medication, as some over-the-counter and prescription options may pose risks to your growing baby.

Understanding Cold vs. Flu Symptoms

How can you tell if you have a simple cold or something more serious like the flu? The key differences lie in the severity and suddenness of symptoms:

• Colds are milder, with gradual onset of symptoms like a sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, and low-grade fever.
• The flu is more severe, with abrupt onset of high fever, headache, chills, intense muscle aches, and extreme fatigue.

If your symptoms persist longer than 2 weeks or worsen over time, it’s best to contact your doctor to rule out a more serious infection.

Natural Remedies for Cough and Cold Relief

Before turning to medication, there are several natural approaches that can help provide relief for pregnancy colds:

1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like warm tea, soup broth, and fruit juices to replace what’s lost through congestion and fever.
2. Get extra rest: Allow your body to recuperate by getting as much sleep as possible, and use pillows to elevate your head at night.
3. Eat immune-boosting foods: Load up on vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, as well as zinc-containing proteins like turkey, beef, and yogurt.
4. Use a humidifier: Keeping your nasal passages moist can ease congestion and coughing.
5. Try saline rinses: Saline nose drops, sprays, and gargling with warm salt water can provide natural decongestant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Safe Over-the-Counter Cough Medicines

If natural remedies don’t provide sufficient relief, your doctor may recommend certain over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medications that are generally considered safe for pregnant women, including:

• Dextromethorphan (Robitussin): An effective cough suppressant.
• Guaifenesin (Mucinex): An expectorant that loosens mucus.
• Saline nasal sprays or drops: Unmedicated options that can relieve congestion.
• Menthol cough drops or lozenges: For soothing a sore, irritated throat.

However, it’s crucial to follow dosage instructions carefully and avoid combination medications that may contain ingredients like pseudoephedrine, which can be risky during pregnancy.

Prescription Cough Medicines for Pregnant Women

In some cases, your doctor may determine that a prescription cough medication is necessary to provide more substantial relief. Some options they may consider include:

• Benzonatate (Tessalon): A cough suppressant that can be used short-term.
• Promethazine (Phenergan): An antihistamine that can relieve coughing and congestion.
• Codeine-containing syrups: Stronger cough suppressants, typically reserved for more severe cases.

Keep in mind that these prescription medications carry more potential risks, so your doctor will carefully weigh the benefits versus the risks before prescribing.

Consulting Your OBGYN is Key

Regardless of whether you opt for over-the-counter or prescription cough medicines, it’s essential to discuss your options with your obstetrician or OBGYN. They can provide personalized guidance on the safest and most effective ways to manage your cold and cough symptoms without jeopardizing your or your baby’s health.

Staying Vigilant and Seeking Medical Attention

While colds are generally harmless, it’s important to monitor your symptoms and contact your doctor if they worsen or last longer than 2 weeks. Persistent or severe coughing, high fever, or signs of respiratory distress may indicate a more serious infection that requires prompt medical attention.

medicine that’s safe for pregnant women?

Sep 24th, 2020
Mid-Atlantic Women’s Care

Obstetrics

When you are pregnant, your immune system doesn’t operate at maximum capacity, which is actually a good thing because it keeps your growing baby protected, and stops your body from thinking the fetus is an intruder. However, this comes with the downside that your body can’t ward off the viruses that cause the common cold quite as effectively. This can leave you vulnerable to the symptoms that come along, including a congested nose, cough, and sore throat. 

As we move into cold and flu season, you may find yourself coming down with a cold, and while you can rest assured that your baby isn’t experiencing any of them, you want to get rid of the symptoms quickly and safely. While colds are mostly an uncomfortable annoyance best managed by a little extra rest, fluids, and patience, you may find yourself seeking out cold medications to alleviate your symptoms. We recommend making a call to your OBGYN so they can steer you in the right direction in terms of cold medications that are considered safe during pregnancy. Here are our own recommendations on what to do if you get sick while pregnant.

Common cold symptoms during pregnancy

Generally, a cold will start with a sore or scratchy throat lasting about a day or two, followed by the gradual onset of other symptoms which may include:

• Sneezing
• Mild fatigue
• A runny, then later stuffy nose
• A dry cough, particularly as the cold is ending which may continue for a week or more after the other symptoms have mostly subsided
• A low-grade fever typically under 100 degrees Fahrenheit

Cold symptoms usually last between 10 to 14 days. However, if your symptoms persist longer than that time frame or seem to progressively worsen, you should talk to your primary care physician so they can ensure it hasn’t turned into something more serious like an infection or the flu.  

Is it a cold or the flu?

The best way to tell the difference between a cold and the flu is to take account of the typical symptoms.

• A cold is milder than the flu. Its symptoms come on gradually and typically you only run a low-grade to no fever. It generally starts off with a sore throat that goes away after a day or two, a cold ends with the main symptoms of a runny nose and cough.
• Influenza, commonly called the flu, is more severe and the onset is more sudden than a cold. Symptoms include a high fever (typically 101-104 degrees F or higher), headache, chills, a sore throat that typically worsens by the second or third day, intense muscle soreness, and a general feeling of weakness and fatigue. These symptoms, along with sneezing and a cough, can last a couple of weeks or longer.

What to do if you get a cold while pregnant

Before turning to medicine, there are some effective cold remedies that don’t come from a pharmacy shelf. Here are ways to alleviate symptoms and feel better fast:

• Keep eating: It’s common to not have much of an appetite when you have a cold but it is important to eat a healthy diet while you are sick and pregnant.
• Rest: While this won’t necessarily shorten the duration of your cold, your body needs rest. Sleeping can prove to be a bit difficult when sick with a cold. Breathe easier by elevating your head with a few pillows. Nasal strips can also help as they gently pull your nasal passages open. They are easy to find, sold over the counter and are drug-free.
• Stay active: If you can, do some light to moderate, pregnancy-safe exercises. It will help your body to fight off the cold faster.
• Drink lots of fluids: Symptoms of colds like sneezing, runny nose, and fever causes your body to lose fluids that are essential to you and your baby. Warm beverages like tea with honey (which helps to suppress a dry cough) or hot soup with broth are soothing for your symptoms and cold water and juices work fine as well.
• Eat foods with vitamin C: Foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, melon, kiwi, and red cabbage are packed with vitamin C which will help to boost your immune system.
• Get more zinc: Pregnant women should try to get 11-15 milligrams of zinc each day, including the zinc in prenatal vitamins. Foods like turkey, beef, eggs, yogurt, wheat germ, oatmeal, and pork will also help to boost your immune system.
• Use a humidifier: Dry conditions in your home can aggravate your symptoms so using a cold or warm air humidifier at night can really help. 
• Use saline nose drops, rinses, and sprays.  All of these can help to moisten nasal passages, and they’re unmedicated, so they are safe for use while pregnant. We do recommend avoiding neti pots, however, as they can spread germs.
• Gargle with warm salt water: Gargling with warm salt water can help to ease a scratchy throat and help control a cough.

Medications that are safe for pregnant women to take for a cold

Before reaching for the medications in your medicine cabinet, reach for the phone and call your OBGYN to discuss the recommended remedies you can take for a cold while pregnant. Here are cold medications that are generally safe during pregnancy.

Acetaminophen

Taking acetaminophen like Tylenol can help in the short-term to reduce head and body aches and break a fever.

Cough medicine

Expectorants like Mucinex, cough suppressants like Robitussin, vapor rubs like Vicks VapoRub, and cough drops are all considered safe during pregnancy. But again, make sure to consult your OBGYN about safe dosages.

Nasal sprays

Plain saline drops and sprays are safe and can help to moisturize and clear a stuffy nose. Most steroid-containing nasal sprays are also safe but you should check with your doctor about brands and dosing.

Antihistamines

Benadryl and Claritin are generally safe during pregnancy but, as usual, check with your doctor as some will advise against them during the first trimester.

Medications to avoid during pregnancy

Always check with your doctor or OBGYN before taking any medications – prescription, over-the-counter, or homeopathic – particularly the following.  

• Pain relievers and fever reducers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can cause pregnancy complications, particularly if taken during the third trimester.
• Decongestants like Sudafed and DayQuil are generally cautioned against after the first trimester and only in a limited amount.
• Avoid non-steroidal nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline.
• Don’t take supplemental vitamins or herbal remedies without medical approval.

What Medicines Are Safe During Pregnancy? Cold, Headache & More

Overview

During pregnancy, your focus may have shifted to your growing baby. But you, too, may need some extra TLC, especially if you get sick. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some 9 in 10 women take medication at some point during their pregnancies.

Many over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and prescription medications are classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) according to risk.

Those falling in categories A, B, or C are generally considered “safe” for use during pregnancy. This is because the benefit of taking the medication outweighs any associated risks demonstrated by studies on animals or humans:

-OR-

Animal studies have shown adverse effects that weren’t confirmed by studies on women in the first trimester.

C
Animal studies have shown adverse effects on fetus.

-AND-

There are either no controlled studies in women or studies on women/animals aren’t available. Drugs in this category are given with caution — only if the benefit justifies the potential risk.

D

Evidence of fetal risk exists with animal or human studies.

Drugs in this category may still be used if benefit outweighs risk; for example, in a life-threatening situation.

X
Adverse effects have been confirmed by animal or human studies.

-OR-

Adverse effects have been demonstrated in the public. Risk of taking drug outweighs any benefit. Not prescribed for women who are or may become pregnant.

Pain or headache relief

Acetaminophen (Tylenol; category B) is the drug of choice for pain during pregnancy. It’s widely used with very few documented adverse effects.

Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), on the other hand, should be avoided during pregnancy.

NSAIDs include:

• ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• ketoprofen (Orudis)
• naproxen (Aleve)

If your pain is particularly severe — after a surgery, for example — your doctor may prescribe a short course of opioid pain relievers. When taken as directed, they may not affect fetal development.

That said, opioid use during pregnancy does carry the risk of withdrawal, called neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), after delivery.

Cold medicine

Cold medications are not well-studied for use during pregnancy. Some doctors suggest trying to wait until after your 12th week to minimize any potential risks to your baby.

Safe options include:

• plain cough syrup, such as Vicks
• dextromethorphan (Robitussin; category C) and dextromethorphan-guaifenesin (Robitussin DM; category C) cough syrups
• cough expectorant during the day
• cough suppressant at night
• acetaminophen (Tylenol; category B) to relieve pain and fever

The active ingredient in Sudafed, pseudoephedrine, may elevate blood pressure or affect blood flow from the uterus to the fetus. This drug isn’t classified by the FDA. It may be safe during pregnancy, but speak with your doctor if you have high blood pressure or other concerns.

Doctors often recommend trying home treatments before taking medications:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water and warm liquids, like chicken soup or tea.
• Gargle salt water to ease sore throat.
• Use saline nose drops to fight stuffiness.
• Humidify the air in your room.
• Use menthol rub on your chest.
• Try nasal strips to open airways.
• Suck on cough drops or lozenges.

Heartburn and acid reflux

OTC antacids containing alginic acid, aluminum, magnesium, and calcium are generally safe during pregnancy:

• aluminum hydroxide-magnesium hydroxide (Maalox; category B)
• calcium carbonate (Tums; category C)
• simethicone (Mylanta; category C)
• famotidine (Pepcid; category B)

For severe heartburn, your doctor may suggest taking h3 blockers, such as:

• ranitidine (Zantac; category B). Ranitidine, brand name Zantac, is now marketed as Zantac 360, which contains a different active ingredient (famotidine). Famotidine is in the same class as ranitidine and works the same way but has not been found to contain unacceptable levels of NDMA.
• cimetidine (Tagamet; category B)

Lifestyle changes may also help take the edge off heartburn:

• Wear loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t put pressure on your abdomen.
• Try keeping a food diary to help identify certain foods that may trigger your reflux.
• Wait three hours to lie down after meals. Avoid late meals right before bedtime.
• Sleep with your head elevated at night.
• Eat small meals throughout the day.

Speak with your doctor if your heartburn becomes severe. In rare cases, it may be a sign of HELLP syndrome. This is a serious pregnancy complication.

Mild and severe allergies

Mild allergies may respond well to lifestyle measures. If you need some extra help, the following OTC oral antihistamines are generally considered safe:

• diphenhydramine (Benadryl; category B)
• chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton; category B)
• loratadine (Claritin, Alavert; category B)
• cetirizine (Zyrtec; category B)

If your allergies are more severe, your doctor may suggest taking an OTC corticosteroid spray at a low dose along with an oral antihistamine. Options include:

• budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy; category C)
• fluticasone (Flonase; category C)
• mometasone (Nasonex; category C)

You may also try the following lifestyle changes:

• Avoid going outdoors or opening windows on high pollen days.
• Take off clothing you’ve been wearing outdoors. Rinse off pollen from skin and hair with a quick shower.
• Wear a mask while completing outdoor chores or enlist the help of someone else for tasks like mowing.
• Rinse nasal passages with saline spray or a neti pot.

Constipation

Stool softeners are generally considered safe during pregnancy. Options include Colace or Surfak.

Laxatives, like Senokot, Dulcolax, or Milk of Magnesia, may also help, but speak with your doctor before trying any of these medications.

Other treatment options for constipation include the following:

• Drink more water and fluids. Prune juice is another good choice.
• Add more exercise to each day.
• Eat more fiber. You can find fiber in fruits and vegetables (with skins, if possible), beans, and whole grains.
• Ask your doctor about fiber supplements, like Metamucil.

Nausea and vomiting

Morning sickness is common in the first trimester of pregnancy. Treatment isn’t always needed. Try home remedies, like eating small meals throughout the day or sipping ginger ale, before reaching for medications.

You might try:

• vitamin B-6, 25 milligrams by mouth three times a day
• doxylamine succinate (Unisom; category B)
• dimenhydrinate (Dramamine; category B)

There are medications your doctor may prescribe if you’re experiencing severe nausea and vomiting (hyperemesis gravidarum):

• doxylamine succinate-pyridoxine hydrochloride (Diclegis; category A)
• ondansetron (Zofran; category B)

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids may develop during pregnancy due to swollen blood vessels or constipation.

Safe treatment options include:

• Tucks pads or other witch hazel pads
• Preparation H
• Anusol

You may want to try other methods first:

• Soak the hemorrhoids by filling a tub with warm water. Don’t add soap or bubble bath.
• Stand or lie on your side when possible.
• Try a ring cushion or hemorrhoid pillow for when you must sit.
• Treat constipation by taking stool softeners, drinking more fluids, getting more exercise, and eating more fiber.

Yeast infections

Yeast infections are common in pregnancy. Still, it’s a good idea to contact your doctor for a proper diagnosis before treating it at home.

Safe medications include:

• miconazole (Monistat; category C)
• clotrimazole (Lotrimin; category C)
• butoconazole (Femstat; category C)

Home remedies and natural treatments are generally not recommended for yeast infections during pregnancy.

Skin rashes, cuts, scrapes

Rashes and itchy skin can be treated with OTC hydrocortisone cream during pregnancy. But mention these symptoms to your doctor to rule out conditions like pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPPs). You doctor may prescribe steroidal creams for certain conditions.

For cuts and scrapes, clean the area well with soap and water. You may then apply an OTC antibiotic ointment, like Neosporin, for added protection.

Difficulty sleeping

Safe medications for insomnia are those in the diphenhydramine (category B) family, including:

• Sominex
• Nytol

Doxylamine succinate (Unisom; category B) is another possibility that may also be used if you’re experiencing insomnia.

If OTC methods don’t work, your doctor may prescribe the following after weighing the benefits and risks:

• sedating tricyclic antidepressants (Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline; category C)
• benzodiazepines (Ativan, Klonopin; category D)

Benzodiazepines may be associated with risk of cleft or lip palate. Use in later pregnancy may not carry this risk.

Lifestyle changes you can try include the following:

• Schedule sleep for consistent wake and bedtimes.
• Get regular exercise.
• Limit napping to no more than 30 minutes per day.
• Skip caffeine and other stimulants.
• Create a nighttime ritual. For example, take a bath, listen to music, or do yoga.
• Explore alternative treatments, such as meditation or acupuncture.

Supplement use during pregnancy

Discuss any supplements you take or plan to take during your pregnancy with your doctor.

While prenatal vitamins are recommended to support levels of essential vitamins and minerals, like folate, other supplements may pose risks to your baby. They may also interact with medications you’re already taking.

Note that just because something is labeled “all-natural” doesn’t always mean it’s safe. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as prescription drugs. Approach them with caution and discuss using with your doctor before starting any.

Prescription medications you’re already taking

Before pregnancy, you may already be taking prescription medications for thyroid issues, high blood pressure, or other conditions. Speak with your doctor about continuing these medications, especially if you’re already pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the near future.

In many cases, you may safely take your medication during pregnancy. Sometimes you may need to either adjust dosages or switch to another medication that’s considered safer for you and baby.

Alternative therapies

Complementary and alternative therapies may be good options to during pregnancy. Examples include:

• acupuncture
• acupressure
• chiropractic care
• massage therapy

Certain complementary and alternative medication methods, especially those involving herbs or supplements, may not be safe, however. In general, alternative therapies aren’t well-studied, so discuss any you plan on trying with your doctor.

Also, do your homework on different practitioners before heading in for a visit. Ensure they have the appropriate licenses to practice on pregnant women.

The takeaway

There are many medications you can safely take during pregnancy. The key is communicating with your healthcare provider.

A great online, evidence-based resource to check is Mother to Baby. It provides fact sheets on different drugs as well as additional information on potential interactions and birth defects.

Even better, most obstetrics offices have a helpline you can call between appointments. Don’t hesitate to dial in with any and all of your questions or concerns.

Cough medicines during pregnancy – Zdorovye-info

Home medicines-tags Cough medicines during pregnancy infectious diseases, because their immunity is weakened. The situation is aggravated by the fact that almost no medication can be taken. Cough medicines created specifically for pregnant women will help save the expectant mother from a cold and its complications.

Cough, especially prolonged, is a sign of a pathological process in the bronchi, larynx, less often in the pleura. The cough may be dry (no sputum) or accompanied by sputum. If, when coughing, sputum is removed from the bronchi – effective bronchial drainage is created – then it cannot be suppressed. During pregnancy, it is allowed to take Mukaltin, tablets based on Althea grass. Mukaltin is taken 50-100 mg (1 or 2 tablets) before meals 3-4 times a day. The duration of treatment is from one to two weeks. As expectorants, you can take extracts of the following medicinal plants:

• Marshmallow roots or herbs
• Tricolor and field violet herbs
• Thermopsis herbs
• Psyllium leaves
• Coltsfoot leaves wild rosemary
• Chamomile flowers
• Calendula flowers
• Oregano herbs

lungs.

Antitussives are used to treat dry cough. The mechanism of action of such drugs is determined by their inhibitory effect on the cough center. Such drugs are contraindicated in pregnant women and children. Dry cough can be alleviated with inhalations, but they should not be carried out at elevated temperatures. The following inhalations can be carried out at home:

Dissolve natural bee honey in hot (about 40 degrees) water: 1 part of honey to 5 parts of water. Inhale alternately through the nose and mouth.

Pour 2 tablespoons of crushed sage herb into a glass of boiling water and infuse for 20 minutes under the lid, breathe through the nose or mouth.

Put 2-3 tablespoons of ordinary baking soda into a liter of boiling water. Soda inhalation relieves cough with bronchitis and does not cause allergies.

If you have a dry and painful cough, you can additionally gargle with decoctions of the above medicinal herbs.

Essential oils of eucalyptus, fir, chamomile and lavender alleviate cough well. A few drops of oil can be added to inhalations or used for chest massage.

For pregnant women, many drugs, including those based on extracts of medicinal plants, can be dangerous due to individual intolerance or risk to the fetus. Therefore, before taking any medication, you should consult your doctor.

Cough can be self-managed, but if accompanied by fever, sore throat, throat or chest pain, headache or dizziness, see a doctor. With developed bronchitis in individual cases, the doctor may prescribe a topical antibiotic Bioparox – this drug can be attributed to the group of cough medicines during pregnancy. It is practically not absorbed into the blood and is not dangerous to the fetus. At normal body temperature, inhalations and physiotherapy may be indicated.

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what drugs can be used for expectoration

Contents

• 1 Mucolytics during pregnancy: what expectorants can be used?
  • 1.1 Mucolytics in pregnancy
    • 1.1.1 What are mucolytics?
    • 1.1.2 Can mucolytics be used during pregnancy?
    • 1.1.3 Which mucolytics can be used during pregnancy?
    • 1.1.4 How to use mucolytics during pregnancy?
    • 1.1.5 Conclusion
  • 1.2 Video on the topic:
  • 1.3 What changes occur in the body of a pregnant woman
  • 1.4 Mucolytics: the principle of action
  • 1.5 What groups of mucolytics exist
  • 1.6 Considerations for choosing a mucolytic in pregnancy
  • 1.7 Which mucolytics can be used during pregnancy
  • 1.8 Which mucolytics are not recommended during pregnancy
  • 1.9 Precautions when using mucolytics during pregnancy
    • 1.9.1 General recommendations
    • 1. 9.2 Considerations for taking mucolytics
    • 1.9.3 Specific recommendations for use
    • 1.9.4 Conclusion
  • 1.10 How to use mucolytics in pregnancy
  • 1.11 Side effects of mucolytics in pregnancy
  • 1.12 Q&A:
    • • 1.12.0.1 Which mucolytics can be used during pregnancy?
      • 1.12.0.2 Can mucolytics harm the baby?
      • 1.12.0.3 Which mucolytic drugs should not be used during pregnancy?
      • 1.12.0.4 Are there natural mucolytics?
      • 1.12.0.5 Can mucolytics cause an allergic reaction in a pregnant woman?
      • 1.12.0.6 Can I choose my own mucolytics during pregnancy?

The article discusses safe mucolytic drugs for pregnant women that help expectorate sputum during pregnancy. Find out what medicines you can take for coughs and runny noses during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is that period in every woman’s life when taking care of her health switches to taking care of the health of her child. One of the unpleasant symptoms that expectant mothers often encounter is a cough. It can cause anxiety and discomfort not only to the woman, but also to the baby inside the uterus. Treating a cough during pregnancy is not as easy as it seems. Many medications can harm a child’s health, so you have to look for safe alternatives. Mucolytic drugs are one of the most effective ways to fight cough.

Mucolytics are drugs that thin the secretions from the respiratory tract and make it easier to pass. They are effective in fighting phlegm and dry cough. However, not all mucolytic drugs are suitable for use during pregnancy. Some of them can harm the health of the unborn child, so you need to know which drugs can be used for expectoration during this period of life.

In this article we will talk about mucolytic drugs that can be used during pregnancy, how they work and what are the restrictions in their use. We will also talk about folk ways that can help defeat a cough in this difficult time.

Mucolytics in pregnancy

What are mucolytics?

Mucolytics are medicines that improve the flow of mucus from the lungs. They thin and reduce the viscosity of sputum, making it easier to cough up and remove from the body.

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Can mucolytics be used during pregnancy?

Some mucolytics may be used during pregnancy. However, as with any other treatment, care must be taken and a doctor’s advice should be sought before taking it.

Which mucolytics can be used during pregnancy?

Mucolytic drugs that can be used during pregnancy include: acetylcysteine, ambroxol, bromhexine, guaifenesin, and carbocysteine. All of them have proven effective in thinning sputum and do not adversely affect the development of the fetus.

How to use mucolytics during pregnancy?

The dosage of mucolytic drugs during pregnancy must be agreed with the doctor. As a rule, this is one to two tablets / servings per day. It should be borne in mind that in some cases, mucolytics can cause premature contractions or allergic reactions, so you should be careful and follow the doctor’s recommendations.

Conclusion

Mucolytic drugs during pregnancy can be used in compliance with the rules and recommendations of the doctor. They can help improve sputum discharge and relieve inflammation of the respiratory system. However, before starting treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor and follow the instructions for the use of the drug.

Related videos:

What changes occur in the body of a pregnant woman

Pregnancy is a period in a woman’s life when her body goes through significant changes. First, the level of hormones in a woman’s blood is greatly increased. This is especially true for the pregnancy hormone progesterone. It is necessary to maintain pregnancy and maintain fetal growth.

Secondly, the volume of blood in the body of a pregnant woman increases, which leads to an increase in the cardiovascular load. An increased blood volume is needed to provide the fetus with oxygen and nutrition.

Thirdly, a pregnant woman is subject to changes in the digestive system. Due to the increased level of the hormone progesterone, food is digested more slowly, which can lead to constipation and other unpleasant sensations.

Also, pregnancy can cause skin and hair changes, breast enlargement, and morning sickness.

In this regard, it is very important that a pregnant woman is attentive to her health and does not allow any risks, including in the choice of drugs for expectoration.

Mucolytics: how they work

Mucolytics are a group of medicines that are designed to thin sputum and make it easier to clear from the respiratory tract.

The active ingredients of mucolytics reduce the viscosity of the secretion released by the bronchial system, making it thinner and easier to excrete. Many of them also have anti-inflammatory effects, which help reduce swelling and improve respiratory function.

• Acetylcysteine ​​
• Bromhexine
• Carbocysteine ​​
• Ambroxol

These mucolytics are very popular and widely used to treat cough and relieve expectoration in adults and children.

What groups of mucolytics exist

Mucolytics are a group of drugs that thin sputum and accelerate its removal from the lungs. There are several groups of mucolytics:

1. Mucoregulatory drugs – improve the functioning of the protective mechanism of the respiratory system, regulate the production of sputum.
2. Antitussive mucolytics – reduces the frequency of coughing and promotes the release of sputum by thinning its consistency.
3. Bifunctional mucolytics – combine the properties of mucolytics and anti-inflammatory agents.
4. Preparations containing amino acids – these preparations accelerate metabolism, have anti-inflammatory and mucolytic effects.

Each group of mucolytics is prescribed by a doctor depending on the patient’s condition and the degree of disease progression. During pregnancy, the use of mucolytics should be agreed with the doctor, who will select the optimal drug, taking into account contraindications and side effects.

Considerations for choosing a mucolytic for pregnancy

When choosing a mucolytic for use during pregnancy, there are several important considerations that may affect the health of mother and child.

• Safety during pregnancy: One of the main criteria when choosing a mucolytic is its safety for the baby, which develops inside the mother’s body. Some mucolytic drugs can cause side effects that can harm the growing fetus.
• Effectiveness: The second important criterion is the effectiveness of the mucolytic. Some mucolytic drugs may be effective but harm the baby.
• Time of use: Not all mucolytics can be used at any time during pregnancy. Some drugs should not be used in the early stages of pregnancy. For safety, you should follow the doctor’s recommendations.
• Dosage: The dosing of the mucolytic for pregnant women may differ from that for adults. The prescribed dosage should be strictly observed to avoid unwanted side effects.

In summary, when choosing a mucolytic for use in pregnancy, consideration must be given to its safety, efficacy, timing and dosage. To avoid unwanted side effects, you should consult your doctor and follow his recommendations.

Which mucolytics can be used during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman may experience problems with a runny nose, cough and respiratory problems. In this case, the doctor may recommend the use of mucolytics for expectoration. However, not all drugs are safe for a future mother or her baby.

Acetylcysteine ​​ is one of the most common mucolytics recommended for pregnant women. It promotes liquefaction of sputum and improves its excretion from the body. The drug is well tolerated, does not cause adverse reactions in mother and fetus.

Bromhexine is another mucolytic that can be used during pregnancy. It accelerates the excretion of sputum, reduces the period of its retention in the body. Bromhexine also helps reduce coughing and make breathing easier.

Conductor is a plant-based mucolytic that fights phlegm and makes breathing easier. The drug does not contain chemical additives, and also does not cause side effects.

But do not forget that it is not recommended to take mucolytics on your own. Even if the drug has no contraindications for use during pregnancy, you should consult a doctor and get recommendations. Only in this case, the treatment will be effective and safe.

Which mucolytics are not recommended during pregnancy

During pregnancy, many mucolytics can be harmful to fetal development and are contraindicated for use. Some of them can cause allergic reactions or have a toxic effect on the body of the mother and baby.

The list of mucolytics that should be used with caution or not used during pregnancy includes preparations containing:

• Acetylcysteine ​​ – may lead to increased levels of protective protein fragments in the blood, which may have an adverse effect on the fetus.
• Carbocysteine ​​ – may cause respiratory and cardiac problems in the fetus with prolonged use or if the recommended dose is exceeded.
• Bromhexine – May cause a risk of fetal malformations such as hydrocephalus or cleft lip and palate.

In any case, before taking mucolytics during pregnancy, it is necessary to consult a doctor and only after a thorough assessment of the risks and benefits.

Precautions when using mucolytics during pregnancy

General advice

Extreme caution should be exercised when using any medication during pregnancy. This is especially true for mucolytics, which a doctor can give during pregnancy. The only reasonable approach is to consult a specialist. He will make a diagnosis, determine the degree of risk and prescribe the necessary course of treatment.

Considerations for taking mucolytics

Taking mucolytics requires a pregnant woman to follow a few general rules. First, do not change the prescribed dosing order. Secondly, the reception is performed exactly on time, without overexposure and delays. Thirdly, you can not take several different drugs at the same time, unless a different regimen has been prescribed by a doctor.

Special advice for use

For the safe use of mucolytics during pregnancy, consult your healthcare professional. The doctor will determine the specification of the prescribed drug, make a conclusion about the possible consequences of the use and focus on the regimen. In principle, the risk of adverse effects from a mucolytic is minimal if it is used on the basis of the doctor’s recommendations and the prescribed treatment program is followed.

Conclusion

The use of mucolytics during pregnancy is a responsible business. When writing a prescription and prescribing a course of treatment, it is recommended to contact a specialist. Only he is able to make a conclusion about the possible consequences and determine the maximum allowable dosage. By adhering to the recommendations of the doctor, a pregnant woman will be able to safely exit the state of mucus stagnation and perform all the necessary treatment measures.

How to use mucolytics during pregnancy

Mucolytics are medicines that reduce the viscosity of sputum and promote its expectoration from the lungs and bronchi. During pregnancy, it is not recommended to actively use mucolytics due to possible negative consequences. However, in some situations, when a high concentration of the secretory functions of the larynx and respiratory tract becomes a serious problem, their administration may be necessary.

The intake of mucolytics must be under medical supervision. He will prescribe the medication that is most appropriate for your condition. Mucolytics based on acetylcysteine, bromhexine, mucisite, etc. are usually prescribed. But, not all mucolytics can be taken during pregnancy, so the doctor must choose and prescribe a safe drug that will not harm the baby in the stomach.

Do not self-medicate or take mucolytics without a doctor’s prescription, even if such medications have been previously prescribed. This can lead to undesirable consequences for both the mother and the child. Also, do not use mucolytics throughout pregnancy, only in case of emergency.

Folk remedies such as warm herbal drinks, mustard tourniquets, compresses, droppers or inhalations can also be used to help cough up phlegm and reduce respiratory problems. Their use also requires mandatory consultation with the attending physician and mutual coordination of actions.

Side effects of mucolytics in pregnancy

Although mucolytics may be beneficial for pregnant women, consideration should be given to possible side effects that may occur with their use.

• Allergic reactions: given that some mucolytic drugs are allergens, the use of these drugs may cause allergic reactions in a pregnant woman. At the first sign of allergy, the use of mucolytics should be stopped immediately.
• Changes in heart rate: Some mucolytic drugs can increase the heart rate, which can lead to serious heart problems, including arrhythmia. With an increase in heart rate, you should immediately consult a doctor or stop using mucolytics.
• Increased blood pressure: Some mucolytic drugs can cause an increase in blood pressure, which can be dangerous for a pregnant woman. With an increase in blood pressure, you should consult a doctor or stop using mucolytics.
• Stomach problems: Some mucolytic drugs may cause stomach problems such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. If these symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor or stop using mucolytics.

In general, if a pregnant woman strictly follows the instructions for the use of mucolytics, the likelihood of side effects is minimal. However, if there are any problems, you should consult a doctor for appropriate advice.

Q&A:

Which mucolytics can be used during pregnancy?

Mucolytic preparations based on acetylcysteine, ambroxol, bromhexine and guaifenesin are recommended for pregnant women. However, the use of mucolytics should occur only after consulting a doctor who will select the safest drug for the expectant mother and child.

Can mucolytics harm the baby?

If mucolytics are used according to the doctor’s recommendations and the dosage is not exceeded, they usually do not harm the child. However, the use of any drug during pregnancy can cause some anxiety, so you should always follow the doctor’s recommendations and do not take drugs unnecessarily.

Which mucolytics should not be used during pregnancy?

The use of mucolytics containing codeine, morphine and triprodil is strictly prohibited. These drugs can cause serious harm to the health of the baby and mother.