Can you take sudafed while pregnant

I just found out that I am pregnant. Should I stop taking pseudoephedrine? If taking pseudoephedrine was recommended by your healthcare provider, talk with them before making any changes in this medication.

It is important to consider the benefits of treating nasal congestion, allergies, colds, and other respiratory infections during pregnancy. Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy.

There are no studies looking at whether pseudoephedrine would increase the chance of miscarriage. Does taking pseudoephedrine in the first trimester increase the chance of birth defects? This is called her background risk. Most studies have not found an increased chance for birth defects when pseudoephedrine is used during the first trimester.

However, some studies have found a small increased chance for specific birth defects. If you have already taken pseudoephedrine in the first trimester, remember that the risk for these birth defects, if any at all, is very small.

If this is the case, check with your doctor about other safer alternatives to relieve your congestion. Phenylephrine HCl is not considered safe for pregnant women, especially in the first trimester, because of its association with birth defects. When taken orally, phenylephrine HCl can narrow the blood vessels in your uterus, which can decrease blood flow.

Other medications and remedies are available to help relieve your cold and sinus congestion, including:. Pseudoephedrine is sometimes mixed with painkillers, such as cough and cold remedies. Before taking any other medicines, check the label to see if they contain aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen.

There's very little information about taking herbal remedies and supplements with pseudoephedrine. Tell a doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements. Pseudoephedrine works by reducing the swelling of blood vessels in your nose.

This helps mucus and air flow more freely in the cavities in your nose sinuses , helping you to breathe more easily. Pseudoephedrine starts to work in 15 to 30 minutes, but you should feel a lot better after 30 to 60 minutes. Pseudoephedrine can be taken for a few days, usually up to 5 to 7 days, for the short-term relief of a stuffy or blocked nose.

Decongestants should only be used for a short time, usually less than 10 days. Only take pseudoephedrine for longer than 10 days if a doctor has said it's OK.

Pseudoephedrine works by narrowing the blood vessels in your nose, but it also narrows the blood vessels in other parts of your body. If you have any heart problems or you're worried about this, speak to a pharmacist or doctor about a different treatment. It's a good idea to limit food and drink containing caffeine such as coffee, tea, cola and chocolate. Caffeine can increase your risk of side effects, like feeling more restless or shaky and increasing your heartbeat.

Pseudoephedrine does not affect any type of regular contraception, including the combined pill or emergency contraception.

No, there's no evidence that pseudoephedrine affects fertility in men or women. Pseudoephedrine does not affect your ability to drive or ride a bike.

Page last reviewed: 22 August Next review due: 22 August Pseudoephedrine including Sudafed On this page About pseudoephedrine Key facts Who can and cannot take pseudoephedrine How and when to take it Side effects How to cope with side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions.

About pseudoephedrine Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that relieves a stuffy or blocked nose nasal congestion. This can happen when you have: a cold the flu allergies such as hay fever a sinus infection sinusitis You can buy pseudoephedrine from pharmacies and supermarkets.

It comes as tablets, capsules and a liquid that you swallow. Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today? Pseudoephedrine usually starts to work in 15 to 30 minutes Common side effects include feeling sick, headaches, a dry mouth, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or increased blood pressure.

It might also make you feel restless, nervous or shaky. Pseudoephedrine is also called by the brand names Sudafed or Galpseud Linctus. Important Do not give pseudoephedrine to children under 6 years. Tell a pharmacist or doctor if you have: ever had an allergic reaction to pseudoephedrine or other medicines in the past high blood pressure hypertension heart disease taken medicines for depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs in the last 2 weeks diabetes an overactive thyroid gland hyperthyroidism glaucoma increased pressure in the eye an enlarged prostate men with difficulty peeing or needing to pee often liver or kidney problems.

Decongestants may make some birth defects more likely. Watch out for antihistamines combined with a decongestant. Mucinex, Mucinex D, Mucinex DM, and the extra-strength versions of each, because the six forms of Mucinex contain guaifenesin. Avoid taking any of these during the first trimester of pregnancy.

However, they may be safe to use during later trimesters. Ask your doctor. Safe Nausea Remedies During Pregnancy Antihistamines for allergies, Doxylamine Unisom , Zofran by prescription only Dramamine Emetrol Ginger and peppermint teas in moderation Sea sickness bands Calcium-carbonate Mylanta, Tums or similar medications for heartburn, nausea or upset stomach Safe Yeast Infection Remedies During Pregnancy The American Pregnancy Association recommends vaginal creams and suppositories but warns that not all are safe during pregnancy.

Most likely, your doctor will recommend: Clotrimazole Mycelex, Lotrimin AF Miconazole Monistat 3 Terconazole Conclusion It may feel like navigating a minefield to understand which medications are safe to take during pregnancy, but the efforts become worth it when you meet your healthy baby for the first time.