The following medications have been taken during
pregnancy and have not been shown to cause birth defects. Even so, we recommend
not using any medication unless necessary. If you take a medication routinely
for a medical problem and are unsure about the medication, please contact our
office prior to discontinuing that medication. Take all medications according
to the manufacturers directions listed on the bottle unless otherwise directed
by your physician.
Antacids (Mylanta, Maalox, Pepcid AC, TUMS,
Zantac)
Antibiotics (Keflex, Macrodantin, Macrobid, Amoxicillin, Penicillin, Clindamycin,
Zithromax)
Antihistamines (Allegra, Benedryl, Claritin, Chlor-Trimeton, Dimetapp, Tavist,
Zyrtec)
Antinausea medications (Phenergan, Zofran, Scopolamine patch)
Blood pressure medications (Nifedipine, Aldomet, Propanolol)
Cough drops/lozenges/syrups (Cepacol, Herbal cough drops, Robitussen, Vicks)
Decongestants (Actifed, Sudafed, Entex)
Kaopectate
Laxatives (Ducolax)
Pain medications (Codeine, Vicodin)
Nasal sprays (Afrin, Beclovent, Flonase, Nasonex, Neosynephrine, Saline,
Ventolin)
PeptoBismol
Stool softeners (Colace, Citracell, Fibercon, Metamucil)
Thyroid medicine (Synthroid, Thyroxine)
Tocolytics to stop labor (Terbutaline)
Tylenol (Extra-strength, Regular)
Yeast medications (Monistat, Gyne-Lotrimin, Femstat, Terazol)
Medication you should NEVER take during
pregnancy includes: Acutane, Lithium, Tetracycline, Vibramycin, Valproic Acid
Though a small amount of alcohol may not cause
harm, there is no known safe quantity. Therefore, we advise against any alcohol
ingestion during pregnancy.
Smoking and using recreational drugs are
dangerous to the pregnancy. They can cause growth retardation of the fetus,
premature maturation of the placenta, which can cause fetal distress during
labor, and abnormal separation of the placenta, which can cause fetal death or
maternal hemorrhaging during labor.
Other
medications may be safe or have minimal risk but should be discussed with your
physician prior to taking the medication. Most fall into the “unknown
category”. This means that there is no documentation of its safety during
pregnancy.
