Over the Counter Medications for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
The following medications are available over-the-counter and may be safely taken after 12 weeks gestation. The medications that are known to be safe while breastfeeding, are underlined. Follow the directions on the container and the precautions stated below.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Use for mild headaches and/or aches and pains. Call your doctor if symptoms become severe and/or persistent.
Sudafed, Afrin or Ocean Mist Nasal Spray
- Use for nasal congestion due to a cold, sinusitis or allergies. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not get better within 5 days. Do not use this medication for more than 5 days.
Robitussion (Guafenesin) or other non-alcoholic cough syrup
- Use for a cough due to minor throat irritations. Call your doctor if symptoms persist for more than a week.
Chloraseptic or other lozenges that are alcohol-free
- Use for a sore throat. Call your doctor if symptoms become severe and last for more than a week.
Kaopectate
- Use for mild to moderate diarrhea. Call your doctor if symptoms become severe, bloody, are accompanied by a fever and last for more than 2 days.
Metamucil or Citrucel, Milk of Magnesium, Colace
- Use for constipation. Call your doctor if you are severely straining.
Maalox, Mylanta, Tums or Rolaids
- Use for heartburn. Call your doctor if medication does not provide relief from symptoms.
Gas-X (Simethicone), or Gelusil
- Use for gas.
Chilled Witch Hazel Packs, Sitz Baths, Anusol HC Cream
- Use for hemorrhoids.
Vitamin B6 50-100 mg/day, Ginger Root Tea, Bio Bands or Sea Bands
