Minor Illness
If you get a minor illness, such as a cold, runny nose, mild sore throat, headache, or temperature less than 100.4° the following is a list of safe medications that can be used. You can also download and print this Safe Medications in Pregnancy document. For any symptoms below lasting more than 3 days, call (770) 991-2200 to speak with the Triage Nurse or On-call Provider.
Cold, Hayfever and Congestion
Follow the directions on the package and do not exceed the recommended dose:
- Tylenol (e.g., Tylenol Severe Cold and Sinus)
- Sudafed
- Actifed
- Robitussin
- Chlor-Trimeton
- Benadryl
- Claritin
- Zyrtec
*Do not use if you have high blood pressure. Avoid medications with Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) or phenylephrine.
Other comfort measures for colds include:
- Saltwater nasal drops
- Warm, wet compress to your sinus area to help them open and draining
- Keep room heat on a lower setting – it helps keep the air from being too dry
- A vaporizer or humidifier can help keep moisture in the air; sleep on extra pillows to keep your head elevated
- Drink plenty of fluids to help keep you hydrated
- Cough Drops
- The only active ingredient found to be effective in over-the-counter cough medicines is “DM” (dexatromethoraphan), e.g., Robitussin DM
- Breathe Right nasal strips
Sore Throat
- Chloraseptic spray
- Warm salt water gargles
- Throat lozenges
Diarrhea
- Avoid foods containing milk products and caffeine
- Drink plenty of fluids to help keep you hydrated
Constipation
- Metamucil, Citrucel, or Benefiber
- Miralax or Milk of Magnesia
- Colace 100mg tablets, 1-2 times daily
- Fleets enema if condition unresolved by other methods
Hemorrhoids
- Tucks – may want to keep them cool in refrigerator for increased pain relief
- Preparation H cream and suppositories
- Ice packs
Heartburn & Gas
- Gas-X
- Tums, Mylanta, or Maalox
- Pepcid or Zantac
Fever, Muscle Aches and Headaches
- Tylenol-Regular Strength or Extra Strength – Follow the directions on the package and do not exceed the recommended dose
Avoid:
- Aspirin products
- Ibuprofen products, such as, Advil, Nuprin and Motrin
- Naproxen products, such as, Aleve or Anaprox during pregnancy