Raising kids raises questions. We have expert answers. So go ahead, ask away!
Yesterday, we explained the meaning behind the new study by the FDA to determine what drugs may be taken during pregnancy. Today, Dr. Jason Rothbart is answering our questions again, this time getting specific on which over the counter, name brand, and commonly prescribed medications may (or may not) be taken during those very special (though sometimes painfully long) 10 months.
NOTE: The current class system, which the FDA is currently working on re-categorizing is currently broken down by classes A,B,C,D,X . Class A means good human studies have been done and its totally safe. Class B means good animal studies and some human studies have been done and very low risk has been shown. While anything Class A or B can generally be used, at the appropriate doses, safely, all medications should be used at the lowest dose and the lowest durations.
Name Brand/ Medication | Class | To Take or Not To Take? |
| Tylenol | B | Routinely used in all stages of pregnancy with no risk when used at appropriate doses |
| Tylenol Cold & Sinus | C | But if used in limited doses for limited time, may be used safely in pregnancy |
| Tylenol PM | B | The "PM" component is Benadryl and has no ill effects on a fetus |
| Advil/Motrin | D | Should be avoided in all of pregnancy, as it carries a miscarriage risk and small risk of fetal malformations in the first trimester, and risk of lung and heart complications if used in the the third trimester, especially close to deliver. Should be avoided if possible. |
| Sudafed | C | But only limited data of possible effects on a fetus in the first trimester. Best to avoid in the first trimester if an alternative is available, but overall, in limited use, it is safe after the first trimester. |
| Benadryl | B | Overall very safe in pregnancy |
| Nyquil | B& C | Most components are class B, but the dextromethorphan is class C, mainly because of one study with chick embryos and limited human data. But overall there appears to be no risk to a fetus, including birth defects. |
| Delsym | B&C | Same as Nyquil |
| Robitussin | B&C | Same as Nyquil |
| Mucinex | C | Should only be used in theraputic dosing, no risk to fetus |
| Zyrtec | B | use it! |
| Allegra | C | But with limited use is very low risk. Zyrtec or Claritin should be tried first, however (class B) |
| "Z-Pac"(Azithromycin) | B | Safe! |
| Diflucan | C | But only if used at very high doses and for an extended period of time. If used at the recommended dose of 150mg once, there appears to be no risk to fetus at all. |
| Macrobid | B | Ok! |
| Ambien | C | No malformations observed, but studies are limited so should be avoided unless discussed with physician and individualized. |
| Lunesta | C | No human studies available, but animal data suggest low risk. Alternatives should be used if possible. |
| Pepcid | B | Low risk. |
| Peptobismal | C | Secondary to lack of data, but available studies show little to no risk at normal doses, though should be avoided if possible in the first half of pregnancy. |
| Dramamine | B | Little to no risk |
As always, if you are taking any of these medications or think you need to, always consult your doctor first!
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