Victoria Women's Clinic

If possible, take no medications until after your twelfth week of pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time in your life when your health and well being is extremely important both for your and for your unborn child. We strongly encourage our patients to use any drug only as truly necessary and then only long enough to achieve effective results. It is equally important to use caution during breastfeeding as many medications can be passed to the baby via the mother's milk. While there is NO GUARANTEE that any medication will be completely safe during pregnancy, we realize there will be times when medication is needed. Considering the benefits versus the possible risks, we have carefully reviewed the following list of over-the-counter medications and believe them to be safe for you to use on an occasional basis during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Keep in mind that when the term medication or drug is used, it includes all prescription and over-the-counter medications as well as illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, you should absolutely stop the use of illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco. Prescription drugs should be used only as directed by your physician. Do not use medications that have not been prescribed specifically for you. The following list of medications is felt to be safe for you to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. You may use this as a guide to the medications that can be used. If the drug is on this list then you may use it without specifically being advised to do so. Do not use medicines that are not on this list unless you have spoken with your physician.

1. HEADACHES, ACHES, LOW GRADE TEMPERATURE ELEVATIONS: Low grade fever (100.6 or less)
*FIRST TRY* - Resting, a cool cloth over the eyes for headaches; resting, a warm tub bath or heating pad on low for aches and pains; a cool tub bath for mild fever.
Aspirin - 1 or 2 tablets, every 4-6 hrs. (not in last four weeks of pregnancy).
Tylenol - 1 or 2 tablets, every 4-6 hrs.
Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours.
Avoid strong preparations like extra-strength Tylenol, Excedrin, Vanquish, etc.
Take with a least 4 oz. water to avoid stomach irritation. Notify physician" -If no relief in 72 hrs. or for fever over 100.6.

2. COLDS, CONGESTION, HAYFEVER:- *FIRST TRY* - Increase fluid intake to 8-10 glasses of water per day, rest as much as possible, humidifier, Vitamin C 500 mg. 2 tablets 4 times daily for 7-10 days. Actifed - I tablet every 4-6 hrs. Chlor-Trimeton - 4 mg., 1 tablet every 4-6 hrs. 1 or 2 tablets at bedtime. Comtrex - 1 or 2 tablets every 4 hrs. (not to exceed 12 tablets/24 hrs.) Contact - May be taken 1 every 12 hours - as directed. Comtrex - 1 or 2 tablets every 4 hrs. (not to exceed 12 tablets/24 hrs.) Sudafed - 30 mg., 1 or 2 tablets every 4 hrs. Tylenol Sinus - 1 or 2 tablets every 4-6 hrs. (not to exceed 8 tablets/24 hrs.)

3. ASTHMA: You may use prescribed inhalers if necessary for acute asthma attacks. Use only as prescribed by your doctor. If no improvement, call you doctor immediately.

4. COUGH: Robitussin Cough Syrup - Plain or expectorant - may be used as directed on the label.

5. NASAL CONGESTION: *FIRST TRY* - Saline nose drops - Ocean Spray or mix 1 tsp. salt in 8 oz. warm water, use every 3-4 hours as needed. Afrin - Use every 12 hrs. (not to exceed 72 hrs.) **nasal sprays such as Afrin can be addictive.

6. SORE THROAT: *FIRST TRY* - Warm saline gargle (mix as directed for nose drops in section 5). Throat Lozenges - May be used as directed on package. Aspirin or Tylenol - As directed in section 1.

7. DIARRHEA: Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate - Use as directed on label. Kaopectate - Use as directed on label. **Gatorade 8 oz. + 2 tsp. honey or sugar will help replace fluid balance. **Eat bland diet until resolved. "Notify physician" - If stools become completely liquid and occur more than 10- times /24 hours in spite of using the above medications

8. CONSTIPATION: *FIRST TRY* - Increase fluids to 8-10 glasses/day, increase fresh fruits and vegetables, bran cereal, prunes or prune juice, warm juice. Natural, bulk laxatives - (Metamucil, Fibercon, Effersyllium), as directed on label. Milk of Magnesia - 2 tablespoons at bed time every other day. If above ineffective: Dialose Plus - 1 capsule daily until bowel movement, 2 capsules daily if needed for no more than 4 days. **DO NOT use stronger laxatives like Ex-lax, Correctol, Castor Oil.

9. HEARTBURN / INDIGESTION: *FIRST TRY* - Avoid foods known to cause problems (spicy, greasy food, cabbage, beans, chocolate), avoid lying down for 30-45 minutes after eating, eat small, frequent meals. Maalox, Mylanta - (Liquid works faster) - Use as directed on label. Di-Gel - Use as directed on label. ** Avoid Rolaids, TUMS, Alka-Selzer since these products contain more salt.

10. NAUSEA: *FIRST TRY* - Same conservative measures listed in section 9. May also use Vitamin B6 -50 mg., one tablet 2, 3 or 4 times daily. Maalox, Mylanta, Pepto-Bismol - Use as directed on label. **.You may find that "morning sickness" occurs in the afternoon, or evening or all day. This is not unusual. It usually resolves by about 14-16 weeks. "Replace fluids lost with vomiting by using Gatorade. 8 oz. + 2 tsp. honey or sugar. "Notify physician" - If you are not able to keep anything (even fluids) in you stomach.

11. LEG CRAMPS/"CHARLIE HORSE": *FIRST TRY* - Increase Calcium intake, use OsCal or Cal-Cet. Maalox - 1 tbsp. or 2 tablets 3-4 times/day. Mylanta - As directed at night.

12. STRETCH MARKS/ITCHING Moderate weight gain may help prevent stretching of the skin. Any cream or lotion rich in cocoa butter or olive oil may help alleviate itching. Nothing will-prevent stretch marks completely if you are prone to them.

13. SWELLING: *FIRST TRY* - Increasing rest (with feet propped up 1-2 hrs/day), wear firm support hose (put these on before you get up), Parke-Davis has a good support hose that can be purchased at most pharmacies, limit salt in diet to moderate amounts, squeeze juice of 1/2 lemon in 8 oz. water (this is a natural diuretic) 1-2 times daily. Diuretics (fluid pills) - SHOULD NOT BE USED unless prescribed by your physician. "Swelling in you legs, ankles, feet and fingers in the last trimester of pregnancy is not unusual, especially at the end of the day. Generally this swelling will go away with rest. "Notify Physician" - if you have severe swelling, especially in 1st or 2nd trimester, that is: a. Generalized in face, abdomen, extremities, and/or
b. Is not responding to conservative measures listed above.

14. HEMORRHOIDS: *TRY FIRST* - Soaking in a tub of warm water 3-4 times daily, using moist packs like: Tucks - (purchased at pharmacy). Preparation H - use occasionally as directed on label. Nupercainal ointment - use occasionally as directed on label. Anusol HC - use occasionally as directed on label.

15. VITAMINS: You will be given a prescription for the prenatal vitamin preferred by your physician. **Occasionally prenatal vitamins will cause (or make worse) nausea. If this happens: a. Take vitamins with food or at bed time, or b. Stop vitamins until "morning sickness is gone (as long as you are taking vitamins regularly by 14-16 weeks), or c. Call for a different vitamin prescription. **It is not necessary to take extra vitamins or iron unless prescribed by your doctor.

16. ROUND LIGAMENT PAIN: Abdominal pain in pregnancy should not be ignored but if your physician has diagnosed "Round Ligament Pain" you may use: a. Tummy Sling - Abdominal support girdle or any other maternity girdle. b. Warm tub bath. c. Heating pad on low beat. d. Pain medications as outline in section 1 on an occasional basis. "REMEMBER" Medications, should be used in a limited amount during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Do not use any, medication, unl ess you absolutely have to and take medications prescribed by your physician exactly as instructed.





	Medications Back to Helpful Info WHILE THIS LIST OF MEDICATIONS HAS BEEN CAREFULLY REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY VICTORIA WOMEN'S CLINIC PHYSICIANS FOR OUR PATIENT'S USE DURING PREGNANCY AND BREAST FEEDING, IF YOU ARE NOT A PATIENT OF A VWCA PHYSICIAN, YOU SHOULD CHECK WITH YOUR OWN PHYSICIAN BEFORE TAKING ANY MEDICATION. NO MEDICATION SHOULD BE TAKEN DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. MEDICATIONS DURING PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING If possible, take no medications until after your twelfth week of pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time in your life when your health and well being is extremely important both for your and for your unborn child. We strongly encourage our patients to use any drug only as truly necessary and then only long enough to achieve effective results. It is equally important to use caution during breastfeeding as many medications can be passed to the baby via the mother's milk. While there is NO GUARANTEE that any medication will be completely safe during pregnancy, we realize there will be times when medication is needed. Considering the benefits versus the possible risks, we have carefully reviewed the following list of over-the-counter medications and believe them to be safe for you to use on an occasional basis during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Keep in mind that when the term medication or drug is used, it includes all prescription and over-the-counter medications as well as illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, you should absolutely stop the use of illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco. Prescription drugs should be used only as directed by your physician. Do not use medications that have not been prescribed specifically for you. The following list of medications is felt to be safe for you to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. You may use this as a guide to the medications that can be used. If the drug is on this list then you may use it without specifically being advised to do so. Do not use medicines that are not on this list unless you have spoken with your physician. 1. HEADACHES, ACHES, LOW GRADE TEMPERATURE ELEVATIONS: Low grade fever (100.6 or less) FIRST TRY - Resting, a cool cloth over the eyes for headaches; resting, a warm tub bath or heating pad on low for aches and pains; a cool tub bath for mild fever. Aspirin - 1 or 2 tablets, every 4-6 hrs. (not in last four weeks of pregnancy). Tylenol - 1 or 2 tablets, every 4-6 hrs. Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours. Avoid strong preparations like extra-strength Tylenol, Excedrin, Vanquish, etc. Take with a least 4 oz. water to avoid stomach irritation. Notify physician" -If no relief in 72 hrs. or for fever over 100.6. 2. COLDS, CONGESTION, HAYFEVER:- FIRST TRY - Increase fluid intake to 8-10 glasses of water per day, rest as much as possible, humidifier, Vitamin C 500 mg. 2 tablets 4 times daily for 7-10 days. Actifed - I tablet every 4-6 hrs. Chlor-Trimeton - 4 mg., 1 tablet every 4-6 hrs. 1 or 2 tablets at bedtime. Comtrex - 1 or 2 tablets every 4 hrs. (not to exceed 12 tablets/24 hrs.) Contact - May be taken 1 every 12 hours - as directed. Comtrex - 1 or 2 tablets every 4 hrs. (not to exceed 12 tablets/24 hrs.) Sudafed - 30 mg., 1 or 2 tablets every 4 hrs. Tylenol Sinus - 1 or 2 tablets every 4-6 hrs. (not to exceed 8 tablets/24 hrs.) 3. ASTHMA: You may use prescribed inhalers if necessary for acute asthma attacks. Use only as prescribed by your doctor. If no improvement, call you doctor immediately. 4. COUGH: Robitussin Cough Syrup - Plain or expectorant - may be used as directed on the label. 5. NASAL CONGESTION: FIRST TRY - Saline nose drops - Ocean Spray or mix 1 tsp. salt in 8 oz. warm water, use every 3-4 hours as needed. Afrin - Use every 12 hrs. (not to exceed 72 hrs.) *nasal sprays such as Afrin can be addictive. 6. SORE THROAT: FIRST TRY* - Warm saline gargle (mix as directed for nose drops in section 5). Throat Lozenges - May be used as directed on package. Aspirin or Tylenol - As directed in section 1. 7. DIARRHEA: Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate - Use as directed on label. Kaopectate - Use as directed on label. Gatorade 8 oz. + 2 tsp. honey or sugar will help replace fluid balance. Eat bland diet until resolved. "Notify physician" - If stools become completely liquid and occur more than 10- times /24 hours in spite of using the above medications 8. CONSTIPATION: FIRST TRY - Increase fluids to 8-10 glasses/day, increase fresh fruits and vegetables, bran cereal, prunes or prune juice, warm juice. Natural, bulk laxatives - (Metamucil, Fibercon, Effersyllium), as directed on label. Milk of Magnesia - 2 tablespoons at bed time every other day. If above ineffective: Dialose Plus - 1 capsule daily until bowel movement, 2 capsules daily if needed for no more than 4 days. *DO NOT use stronger laxatives like Ex-lax, Correctol, Castor Oil. 9. HEARTBURN / INDIGESTION: FIRST TRY* - Avoid foods known to cause problems (spicy, greasy food, cabbage, beans, chocolate), avoid lying down for 30-45 minutes after eating, eat small, frequent meals. Maalox, Mylanta - (Liquid works faster) - Use as directed on label. Di-Gel - Use as directed on label. ** Avoid Rolaids, TUMS, Alka-Selzer since these products contain more salt. 10. NAUSEA: FIRST TRY - Same conservative measures listed in section 9. May also use Vitamin B6 -50 mg., one tablet 2, 3 or 4 times daily. Maalox, Mylanta, Pepto-Bismol - Use as directed on label. *.You may find that "morning sickness" occurs in the afternoon, or evening or all day. This is not unusual. It usually resolves by about 14-16 weeks. "Replace fluids lost with vomiting by using Gatorade. 8 oz. + 2 tsp. honey or sugar. "Notify physician" - If you are not able to keep anything (even fluids) in you stomach. 11. LEG CRAMPS/"CHARLIE HORSE": FIRST TRY* - Increase Calcium intake, use OsCal or Cal-Cet. Maalox - 1 tbsp. or 2 tablets 3-4 times/day. Mylanta - As directed at night. 12. STRETCH MARKS/ITCHING Moderate weight gain may help prevent stretching of the skin. Any cream or lotion rich in cocoa butter or olive oil may help alleviate itching. Nothing will-prevent stretch marks completely if you are prone to them. 13. SWELLING: FIRST TRY - Increasing rest (with feet propped up 1-2 hrs/day), wear firm support hose (put these on before you get up), Parke-Davis has a good support hose that can be purchased at most pharmacies, limit salt in diet to moderate amounts, squeeze juice of 1/2 lemon in 8 oz. water (this is a natural diuretic) 1-2 times daily. Diuretics (fluid pills) - SHOULD NOT BE USED unless prescribed by your physician. "Swelling in you legs, ankles, feet and fingers in the last trimester of pregnancy is not unusual, especially at the end of the day. Generally this swelling will go away with rest. "Notify Physician" - if you have severe swelling, especially in 1st or 2nd trimester, that is: a. Generalized in face, abdomen, extremities, and/or b. Is not responding to conservative measures listed above. 14. HEMORRHOIDS: TRY FIRST - Soaking in a tub of warm water 3-4 times daily, using moist packs like: Tucks - (purchased at pharmacy). Preparation H - use occasionally as directed on label. Nupercainal ointment - use occasionally as directed on label. Anusol HC - use occasionally as directed on label. 15. VITAMINS: You will be given a prescription for the prenatal vitamin preferred by your physician. Occasionally prenatal vitamins will cause (or make worse) nausea. If this happens: a. Take vitamins with food or at bed time, or b. Stop vitamins until "morning sickness is gone (as long as you are taking vitamins regularly by 14-16 weeks), or c. Call for a different vitamin prescription. It is not necessary to take extra vitamins or iron unless prescribed by your doctor. 16. ROUND LIGAMENT PAIN: Abdominal pain in pregnancy should not be ignored but if your physician has diagnosed "Round Ligament Pain" you may use: a. Tummy Sling - Abdominal support girdle or any other maternity girdle. b. Warm tub bath. c. Heating pad on low beat. d. Pain medications as outline in section 1 on an occasional basis. "REMEMBER" Medications, should be used in a limited amount during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Do not use any, medication, unl ess you absolutely have to and take medications prescribed by your physician exactly as instructed. WHILE THIS LIST OF MEDICATIONS HAS BEEN CAREFULLY REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY VICTORIA WOMEN'S CLINIC PHYSICIANS FOR OUR PATIENT'S USE DURING PREGNANCY AND BREAST FEEDING, IF YOU ARE NOT A PATIENT OF A VWCA PHYSICIAN, YOU SHOULD CHECK WITH YOUR OWN PHYSICIAN BEFORE TAKING ANY MEDICATION. NO MEDICATION SHOULD BE TAKEN DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.
Victoria Women's Clinic Medical Drive, Suite 100, Victoria, Texas 77904 • Telephone: (361) 578-5233 · Fax: (361) 573-5803 HOME • ABOUT US • PHYSICIANS • CONTACT US • HELPFUL INFO ©2007. VWCA. All Rights Reserved.