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is pseudoephedrine safe when pregnant

by Edd Mohr Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are available over the counter as Sudafed and are safe for many women to use during pregnancy. However, women who have high blood pressure should not take pseudoephedrine without first talking to a doctor.Jan 9, 2018

Precautions

What Are Risks of Using Sudafed During Pregnancy?

  • Taking it in the first trimester. As discussed above, one major risk of taking Sudafed when you are pregnant is doing so during the first trimester.
  • Decongestants pose risks to fetus. Any kind of decongestant, Sudafed or not, can be potentially dangerous during the early period of pregnancy.
  • Gastroschisis risk. ...

Is it safe to take Sudafed PE during pregnancy?

Yes, you can take supradyn during pregnancy. It is advisable to consult your gynecologist for more details before starting any supplement. 5. Can I drive while using Supradyn Tablet? Yes, Supradyn Tablet is completely safe and does not cause any drowsy feeling. 6. Is using Supradyn Tablet addictive?

Is Supradyn safe during pregnancy?

Women who douche regularly are more likely to experience early childbirth, miscarriage, and other pregnancy complications. Using a douche can also lead to an ectopic pregnancy, and women who use douches may have a difficult time getting pregnant. A healthy balance of bacteria prevents vaginal yeast from overgrowing.

Are Douches safe during pregnancy?

yes...just drink water too. pregnat or not you can mess up your electralytes really bad if that is all you drink. Powerade is fine other than the sugar contents there isn't anything bad in it. It has electrolytes which are great for staying hydrated. I drank it through out my entire first pregnancy and nothing bad happened.

Is Powerade safe during pregnancy?

What is pseudoephedrine used for?

How old do you have to be to take pseudoephedrine?

How rare are birth defects caused by decongestants?

Can you use pseudoephedrine while pregnant?

Can you take pseudoephedrine while breastfeeding?

Is pseudoephedrine dangerous for pregnant women?

Does pseudoephedrine increase heart rate?

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What is the effect of pseudoephedrine in pregnancy?

Most studies have not found an increased chance for birth defects when pseudoephedrine is used during the first trimester. However, some studies have found a small increased chance for specific birth defects.

Can you take any decongestants while pregnant?

Decongestant corticosteroid nasal sprays are usually considered safe for use over a short period of time. Nasal strips, saline nasal sprays, and Neti pots are the safest options to use during pregnancy, as they don't contain any medications.

What helps sinus congestion while pregnant?

Use saline drops from the pharmacy, or make your own drops using 1 cup of warm water, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of baking soda. Run a humidifier at night to keep your nasal passage clear and thin mucus. Sleep with more than one pillow to elevate your head.

What cold medicine is OK when pregnant?

Cold medicine 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.

What category is Sudafed for pregnancy?

Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are pregnancy category C in all three trimesters of pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) recommend using pseudoephedrine during pregnancy.

Is mucinex OK to take while pregnant?

Cough medicines and cough drops are generally regarded as safe during the second and third trimesters and include those containing dextromethorphan. Brand names are: Mucinex. Robitussin.

How Safe is Sudafed During Pregnancy? | babyMed.com

Q: Is it safe to use Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) during pregnancy? A: For a long time pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) for congestion, guaifenesin (Robitussin) for cough and acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain were considered "safe" in pregnancy.Recently, pseudoephedrine has been examined more closely and should only be offered to pregnant women after having a "risk/benefit" discussion with their doctor.

Pseudoephedrine Use During Pregnancy | Drugs.com

Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 1 Sep 2022), Cerner Multum™ (updated 5 Sep 2022), ASHP (updated 1 July 2022 ...

Can Sudafed Be Taken During Pregnancy? - enkimd

Most of us are familiar with the drug Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) for treating colds, the flu, sinus congestion and cough. One of the main reasons it is one of the most popular cold and flu medications is because it’s safe for pregnant women to take when most other over-the-counter cold and flu drugs are not safe.

Can You Take Sudafed While Pregnant? | Hello Motherhood

Everything You Need to Know About Taking Sudafed While Pregnant. Taking Sudafed when you’re pregnant is tricky. Some doctors are OK with their pregnant patients taking Sudafed, as long as it’s not during the first trimester and you don’t also suffer from hypertension.

National Center for Biotechnology Information

National Center for Biotechnology Information

What Are The Possible Risks Of Taking Pseudoephedrine During Pregnancy?

In addition to the probable risk of gastroschisis (when used during the first trimester), the use of pseudoephedrine is associated with other risks such as a raise in blood pressure due to its vasoconstricting property. Hence women with high blood pressure should not take this medication unless the doctor prescribes it (5).

What Is The Recommended Dosage Of Pseudoephedrine During Pregnancy?

The recommended doses of 30-60 mg of pseudoephedrine every 4-6 hours in the second and third trimesters could be used for pregnant women who do not have hypertension (7). However, your dosage might be different from the recommended dosage. Therefore, you should follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

What is pseudoephedrine used for?

Pseudoephedrine, sold under the brand name Sudafed, is used to provide temporary relief from sinus congestion and pressure. It also relieves nasal congestion due to common cold, hay fever, and other upper respiratory allergies (1). Pseudoephedrine is sold behind the counter, which means it is accessible without a prescription, ...

Can pseudoephedrine cause vasoconstriction?

A cover article titled “Over-the-Counter Medications in Pregnancy,” says that the use of pseudoephedrine during the first trimester may be associated with gastroschisis, a condition where elevated blood pressure causes vasoconstriction in the uterine arteries and affects the blood flow to the fetus.

Is pseudoephedrine a pregnancy drug?

Pseudoephedrine is classified as a pregnancy category B drug by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). It means animal studies showed no risk to the fetus but there are no well-controlled studies on pregnancy women.

Is pseudoephedrine over the counter?

Pseudoephedrine is sold behind the counter, which means it is accessible without a prescription, only after the pharmacist assesses the patient’s requirements (2). It could also be one of the ingredients in some nasal decongestants which are sold over-the-counter. In this post, MomJunction tells you if it is safe to use pseudoephedrine ...

Is decongestant used in the first trimester?

Studies using pharmaceutical data stated that the use of decongestant in the first trimester is associated with a small increase in the risk of defects such as gastroschisis, small intestinal atresia, and hemifacial microsomia. However, these findings are inconsistent in magnitude, and the results could be influenced by the exposure to vasoconstrictive agents such as cigarette smoking (4).

Pseudoephedrine Pregnancy Warnings

Doses of 35 to 50 times the human daily dose to rabbits and rats, respectively, have not produced teratogenic effects. A case-controlled surveillance study reported an elevated relative risk (3.2) of gastroschisis with first-trimester use in 76 cases. The authors hypothesized vascular disruption as the etiology of gastroschisis.

Pseudoephedrine Breastfeeding Warnings

Based on limited data, it has been estimated that 0.5% to 0.7% of the mother's dose is excreted into breast milk over 24 hours. In 1 study, irritability was reported in up to 20% of infants. A 24% mean decrease in milk production was observed after a single 60 mg dose in 8 nursing mothers.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Is sudafed safe for pregnancy?

A: For a long time pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) for congestion, guaifenesin (Robitussin) for cough and acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain were considered "safe" in pregnancy.

Does sudafed cause gastroschisis?

One study (Am J Epidemiol, 2002;155:26-31) found that among mothers of 206 infants with gastroschisis and 126 mothers of infants with small intestinal atresia, infants with gastroschisis had an increased risk of having been exposed to pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) during gestation. The risk for gastroschisis was increased further among infants who had been exposed to pseudoephedrine combined with acetaminophen. The risk of small intestinal atresia was also increased for any use of pseudoephedrine alone or in combination with acetaminophen. (The authors of the study cautioned that underlying maternal illness may have affected the results of this study).

What is pseudoephedrine used for?

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that is used to treat nasal congestion (“stuffy nose”) caused by colds or allergies. Pseudoephedrine is sold under many different brand names. Pseudoephedrine can be combined with other ingredients to help treat symptoms that may come with having a cold or allergies. In many places, products containing pseudoephedrine are only available upon request behind the pharmacy counter.

Can you take more than the recommended amount of pseudoephedrine?

Never take more than the recommended dose. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about how much to take. Pseudoephedrine can constrict blood vessels, which might raise blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, talk to your healthcare provider about medications that would be best for you.

Does pseudoephedrine increase the chance of miscarriage?

There are no studies looking at whether pseudoephedrine would increase the chance of miscarriage. Does taking pseudoephedrine in the first trimester increase the chance of birth defects? In every pregnancy, a woman starts out with a 3-5% chance of having a baby with a birth defect. This is called her background risk.

Can pseudoephedrine cause side effects?

In most cases, pseudoephedrine is not likely to cause side effects in the breastfed baby. However, a few cases of irritability have been reported. If you are worried about any symptoms that the baby has, contact the child’s healthcare provider. Pseudoephedrine may reduce the amount of milk that you produce.

Does pseudoephedrine make it harder to get pregnant?

There are no studies looking at whether pseudoephedrine could make it harder to get pregnant.

Can you stop using pseudoephedrine?

Given this concern, it may be best to wait to use pseudoephedrine until your milk supply is well established. If you notice a decrease in your milk supply, pseudoephedrine use can be stopped. Be sure to talk to your health care provider about all your breastfeeding questions.

Can you get birth defects from taking pseudoephedrine?

Most studies have not found an increased chance for birth defects when pseudoephedrine is used during the first trimester. However, some studies have found a small increased chance for specific birth defects. These birth defects are: gastroschisis (an opening in the baby’s abdominal wall), small intestinal atresia (part of the small intestine is not fully developed) and hemifacial microsomia (part of the face is smaller than it should be). If you have already taken pseudoephedrine in the first trimester, remember that the risk for these birth defects, if any at all, is very small.

Can you take Loratadine while pregnant?

The manufacturer makes no recommendation regarding use during pregnancy. Animal studies are not available for the combination product. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Loratadine: Animal studies at up to 150 times the maximum recommended human dose found no teratogenicity.

Does pseudoephedrine cause gastroschisis?

Pseudoephedrine may be associated with gastroschisis, but this may also be caused by maternal health factors. First trimester oral decongestant exposure or maternal smoking may increase the risk of gastroschisis, small intestinal atresia (SIA), and hemifacial microsomia.

Is loratadine safe for lactation?

Loratadine / pseudoephedrine Breastfeeding Warnings. The manufacturer makes no recommendation regarding use during lactation. -Milk levels of loratadine are expected to be low (about 3 mcg per 10 mg dose) and it is generally non-sedating.

Why do people take pseudoephedrine?

Some people use the drug to promote alertness and as a stimulant. A study from Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice notes that pseudoephedrine is among other medications available without a prescription that can be used to self-medicate, leading to a risk of abuse or addiction.

What is pseudoephedrine used for?

What is Pseudoephedrine? Pseudoephedrine is a drug that has been most commonly used as an ingredient in the previously over-the-counter medication, Sudafed, which is used as a nasal decongestant. Pseudoephedrine is present in some medications without a prescription, and it is available in drugstores behind the pharmacy counter.

What is the law that prohibits methamphetamines from being sold over the counter?

In 2005, the FDA created the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act, which banned over-the-counter sales of cold medicines that included the ingredient pseudoephedrine, requiring them to be sold behind the counter. The act also required consumers to present a photo identification and for stores to keep records of purchasers for at least two years. The law limits the amount an individual can purchase in a 30-day period. These changes were made after a surge of reported methamphetamine abuse revealed that people were using easily accessible over-the-counter medications that contained pseudoephedrine in order to manufacture methamphetamines in labs at home.

How long can you buy meth?

The law limits the amount an individual can purchase in a 30-day period . These changes were made after a surge of reported methamphetamine abuse revealed that people were using easily accessible over-the-counter medications that contained pseudoephedrine in order to manufacture methamphetamines in labs at home.

Can you buy pseudoephedrine without a prescription?

Pseudoephedrine was previously sold on the shelves at most drugstores. Consumers can still buy products with pseudoephedrine in them without a prescription; however, due to the increased use of the medication as an illicit ingredient for the manufacture of methamphetamines, pseudoephedrine is now kept behind pharmacy counters, ...

Can you overdose on pseudoephedrine?

People who intentionally ingest more that the recommended amount of pseudoephedrine may be at risk for overdose. Read the instructions on the box and take the recommended dosage only or consult your doctor to determine a safe dose.

Does pseudoephedrine help with nasal congestion?

When used as intended, pseudoephedrine is considered safe and effective for combating nasal congestion, and it can relieve symptoms associated with swollen nasal passages and mucus buildup, such as pain and difficulty breathing. The medication works by shrinking the swollen tissue of the nasal passageway and allowing mucus buildup to drain out.

Who Shouldn’t Take Sudafed?

If you’re pregnant and suffer from hypertension, you should avoid taking Sudafed since it can increase your blood pressure. If this is the case, check with your doctor about other safer alternatives to relieve your congestion.

What is Sudafed used for?

Sudafed, also known by the generic name “pseudoephedrine hydrochloride,” is a decongestant used to relieve stuffy noses and sinus congestion.

Is Sudafed PE safe for pregnant women?

Phenylephrine HCl is not considered safe for pregnant women, especially in the first trimester, because of its association with birth defects. When taken orally, phenylephrine HCl can narrow the blood vessels in your uterus, which can decrease blood flow. This prevents your baby from getting enough oxygen, which can slow your baby’s heartbeat and even cause birth defects.

Is Sudafed a pregnancy?

Sudafed carries a pregnancy Category C designation. This means that studies conducted on pregnant animals have demonstrated adverse effects on the fetus when Sudafed was administered, but no well-controlled studies have been conducted on actual pregnant women.

Can you take sudafed while pregnant?

Taking Sudafed when you’re pregnant is tricky. Some doctors are OK with their pregnant patients taking Sudafed, as long as it’s not during the first trimester and you don’t also suffer from hypertension. Other doctors may advise completely against taking the decongestant during pregnancy.

What is the best medicine to take after 1st trimester?

Pseudoephedrine ( [Sudafed®] after 1st trimester) Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)*. Saline nasal drops or spray. Warm salt/water gargle. *Note: Do not take the "SA" (Sustained Action) form of these drugs or the "Multi-Symptom" form of these drugs. Do not use Nyquil ® due to its high alcohol content. Type of Remedy: Diarrhea.

What are the risks of having a baby while pregnant?

When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol or uses drugs during her pregnancy, so does her baby.

Can a baby drink alcohol while pregnant?

You may know some women who had very little alcohol during pregnancy and had babies with serious health conditions. Every pregnancy is different and drinking alcohol may hurt one baby more than another. Due to their small liver, babies cannot break down the alcohol as well as you can.

Can you take a medicine while pregnant?

Although some medicines are considered safe during pregnancy, the effects of other medicines on your unborn baby are unknown. Certain medicines can be most harmful to a developing baby when taken during the first three months of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant.

Is it safe to take illegal drugs while pregnant?

Although some medicines are considered safe during pregnancy, the effects of other medicines on your unborn baby are unknown. Illegal drugs are never okay, and you should check with your healthcare provider regarding your current prescriptions.

What is pseudoephedrine used for?

This medication can narrow blood vessels to decrease swelling and congestion. It also shrinks swollen nasal mucous membranes, which is why it is employed as a decongestant.

How old do you have to be to take pseudoephedrine?

Special care should be taken when administering pseudoephedrine or pseudoephedrine combination products to them. Children younger than 4 should not take pseudoephedrine medicines. Extended-release pseudoephedrine tablets should not be given to children younger than age 12.

How rare are birth defects caused by decongestants?

However, the cases of birth defects caused by decongestants taken in the first trimester are rare as in a 2.7 in 1,000 chance, according to Parents.com.

Can you use pseudoephedrine while pregnant?

A woman who uses decongestant medications like pseudoephedrine while in the first trimester of pregnancy could potentially raise the risk of her unborn child experiencing birth defects, according to this study.

Can you take pseudoephedrine while breastfeeding?

Taking Pseudoephedrine While Breastfeeding. For women who are taking pseudoephedrine while breastfeeding, a small amount of the medication is excreted in the breast milk. The biggest effect of breastfeeding while on pseudoephedrine is that it can decrease milk production, according to the Pharmacy Times.

Is pseudoephedrine dangerous for pregnant women?

The Dangers of Taking Pseudoephedrine While Pregnant. There is a debate about whether pseudoephedrine poses a danger to pregnant women who take the medication. MedlinePlus, a resource provided by the National Institute of Health, states that pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking it.

Does pseudoephedrine increase heart rate?

Pseudoephedrine has stimulant effects. Recreational users report that it produces excitable, hyperactive feelings. Because it is a stimulant, it increases the heart rate and blood pressure. However, pseudoephedrine carries a low risk of dependence, and users are unlikely to experience withdrawal symptoms when they cease use.

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1.Taking Pseudoephedrine While Pregnant: Everything to …

Url:https://www.pbinstitute.com/pseudoephedrine/pregnancy/

35 hours ago  · Pseudoephedrine Pregnancy Warnings. Doses of 35 to 50 times the human daily dose to rabbits and rats, respectively, have not produced teratogenic effects. A case-controlled …

2.Pseudoephedrine Use During Pregnancy | Drugs.com

Url:https://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/pseudoephedrine.html

29 hours ago  · Q: Is it safe to use Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) during pregnancy? A: For a long time pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) for congestion, guaifenesin (Robitussin) for cough and …

3.How Safe is Sudafed During Pregnancy? | babyMed.com

Url:https://www.babymed.com/pregnancy-safety/how-safe-sudafed-pseudoephedrine-during-pregnancy

22 hours ago There are no studies looking at possible risks to a pregnancy when a father takes pseudoephedrine, but a father’s use of common decongestants is not expected to cause birth …

4.Pseudoephedrine - MotherToBaby

Url:https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/pseudoephedrine/

21 hours ago  · Human pregnancy exposure has not shown it to be a major teratogen. Pseudoephedrine: A monitoring study of 50, 282 mother/child pairs (3082 first trimester …

5.Loratadine / pseudoephedrine Use During Pregnancy

Url:https://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/loratadine-pseudoephedrine.html

11 hours ago  · A Note About Sudafed PE. Sudafed PE is a little different from regular Sudafed because it contains phenylephrine HCl instead of pseudoephedrine HCI. Phenylephrine HCl is …

6.Pseudoephedrine: Side Effects, Safety & Uses of Sudafed

Url:https://americanaddictioncenters.org/over-the-counter-medications/pseudoephedrine

1 hours ago Although some medicines are considered safe during pregnancy, the effects of other medicines on your unborn baby are unknown. Certain medicines can be most harmful to a developing …

7.Can You Take Sudafed While Pregnant? | Hello Motherhood

Url:https://www.hellomotherhood.com/13707646/can-you-take-sudafed-while-pregnant/

20 hours ago Pseudoephedrine was recommended as the oral decongestant of choice, based on animal studies and a large prospective human experience with the drug during pregnancy.

8.Medicine Guidelines for Pregnancy - Cleveland Clinic

Url:https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/4396-medicine-guidelines-during-pregnancy

9 hours ago

9.Over-the-Counter Medications in Pregnancy - American …

Url:https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2003/0615/p2517.html

35 hours ago

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