Medications

Here is a list of medications and remedies that are safe for you to take for minor discomfort in pregnancy.


  • Aspirin
    * Your provider may recommend you take a baby aspirin (81mg) every day to prevent high blood pressure in pregnancy starting at 12 weeks. This is safe and good for you. Talk to your nurse, midwife or doctor about whether this is right for you.

  • Antihistamines/Allergies
    • Zyrtec, Claritin, Benadryl, Dimetapp
    • Visine eye drops, Naphcon-A eye drops

  • Constipation
    • Colace, Fibercon, Citrucel
    • Metamucil, Fiberall
    • Prune juice, dried prunes, apricots

  • Coughs/Colds
    • Robitussin (cough)
    • Robitussin DM
    • Mucinex Cough (Guaifensin)
    • Chloraseptic/Cepacol

  • Decongestants
    • Sudafed (pseudoephedrine), Robitussin
    • CF, Tavist D, Ocean Mist nasal spray (saline solution), 3-way nasal
      * DO NOT use Alka-Seltzer Cold & Flu

  • Diarrhea
    • Imodium (1 dose – if it persists, please notify office)
    • Follow the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast)
      * Come in to see provider if you have a fever or you have not improved in 2-3 days.

  • Heartburn, Indigestion, Gas
    • Tums, Maalox, Gas-X Mylanta, (safe to take after the first 12 weeks)
    • Tagamet, Zantac Acid, Gavison,
    • Pepcid or Pepcid AC
      * DO NOT use Pepto-Bismol, Rolaids, Kaopectate, Alka-Seltzer

  • Hemorrhoids
    • Preparation H (safe throughout pregnancy)
    • Anusol
    • Tucks pads, witch hazel pads

  • Insomnia (unable to sleep)
    • Benadryl, Tylenol PM (do not exceed recommended dosage), Unisom

  • Nausea
    • Half (½) Unisom together with Vitamin B6, Small frequent meals, ginger ale, Vitamin B6, ginger, ginger tea, Sea Bands (form of acupressure on wrists)
      * Come in to see provider if unable to keep liquids down for more than one day or 24 hours

  • Pain Medications
    • Tylenol (acetaminophen) for minor aches and pains, headaches
    • Tylenol Extra Strength – 2 tabs every 4 hours (not to exceed 4000 mg in a 24-hour period)
    • Codeine (by prescription only)
      * DO NOT use Advil, Aleve (unless your provider tells you otherwise)