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OB Safe Medication List

During pregnancy, it is natural to be cautious about the medications you take. This guide outlines common over-the-counter (OTC) options that have a long history of safe use during pregnancy.

General Guidelines: * Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.

  • Always follow the dosage instructions on the product packaging.
  • Do not exceed the maximum daily recommended dose.

If you have specific questions or concerns about a medication, please call our office or schedule an appointment to discuss them with your provider.

Common Ailments & Approved Treatments

Pain, Fever or Headache

  • Safe: Tylenol (acetaminophen) is the preferred choice during pregnancy.
  • Avoid: Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen) and Aspirin.

Nasal Congestion, Sinus & Allergy

  • Safe: Sudafed (pseudoephedrine), Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Claritin (loratadine), Claritin-D and Zyrtec.

Cough & Cold

  • Safe: Robitussin DM (dextromethorphan) and Mucinex (guaifenesin).

Nausea & Heartburn

  • Mild Nausea: Peppermint gum or candies and Emetrol.
  • Persistent Nausea: Vitamin B6 (10–25 mg three times daily), which can be combined with Unisom (doxylamine) ½ or ¼ tablet.
  • Heartburn: Tums/Rolaids (calcium carbonate) or Maalox/Mylanta for occasional relief. For more frequent or severe symptoms, Zantac 360 (famotidine) is safe to use.

Digestive Health

  • Constipation: Increased intake of prunes or prune juice, Metamucil (psyllium fiber), Colace (docusate) and Milk of Magnesia.
  • Diarrhea: Focus on hydration with Pedialyte, water and a bland diet. You may take 1–2 doses of Imodium if necessary. Please contact the office if diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours.

Comfort & Targeted Relief

  • Muscle or Leg Cramps: Epsom salt soaks, massage and heating pads are safe.
  • Hemorrhoids: Preparation H products (cream or suppositories) and Tucks Pads (witch hazel).
  • Yeast Infections: Monistat-3 (3-day treatment) is safe to use in any trimester.
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