Pregnancy is an exciting time for many women and their families, but it can also be a time of uncertainty and stress. One area of confusion for many expecting mothers is the use of supplements or medications that are safe for them to use. Zicam is a common remedy used to treat colds, but can it be used safely during pregnancy? In this blog post, we will discuss the potential effects of Zicam on a pregnant woman and her baby, as well as provide guidance on the best way to address colds during pregnancy. We will take a look at the research available to determine the safety of Zicam during pregnancy and provide expert advice from medical professionals to help answer the question of whether or not it is safe to use Zicam while pregnant.
What Medicine Can I Take While Pregnant?
Avoid taking drugs while pregnant unless we specifically prescribe them for you; occasionally, though, illnesses or new medical conditions may arise that call for therapy. The following is a list that you may use. It is not necessary to contact our office first before taking these medications.
Approved Pregnancy Medication |
Indication and Symptoms |
| Tylenol | Fever, muscle aches, headaches |
| Gaviscon | Heartburn, indigestion |
| Maalox | Heartburn, indigestion |
| Mylanta | Heartburn, indigestion |
| Riopan | Heartburn, indigestion |
| Kaopectate | Diarrhea |
| Imodium | Diarrhea |
| Throat Lozenges & Sprays | Sore throat |
| Zicam | Early cold symptoms |
| Robitussin | Cough |
| Mucinex | Cough |
| Mucinex-DM | Cough suppressant |
| Robitussin-DM | Cough suppressant |
| Zyrtec | Cold or allergy |
| Claritin | Cold or allergy |
| Claritin-D | Cold or allergy |
| Tavist | Cold or allergy |
| Tavist-D | Cold or allergy |
| Benadryl | Cold or allergy |
| Sudafed | Cold or allergy |
| Vitamin B6 | Nausea |
| Nestrex | Nausea |
| Colace | Constipation |
| Surfak | Constipation |
| Benadryl 25 mg | Sleep or allergies |
| Tylenol PM | Sleep or allergies |
| Citracal | Leg cramps |
| Viactiv | Leg cramps |
| Caltrate | Leg cramps |
| Tums | Indigestion or GERD |
| Pepcid AC | Indigestion or GERD |
| Category “B” | |
| Antibiotics | Antibiotics from the Penicillin, Macrolide or Cephalosprin class. |
Alcohol: Your body and your baby are interconnected. Avoid drinking alcohol while you are pregnant.
Caffeine – You should also refrain from consuming a lot of caffeine. Studies have shown that a small amount of caffeine during pregnancy has no adverse effects, but because caffeine is a mild diuretic, you should drink plenty of water.
4. Vitamin Overload and Throat Lozenges: Although most throat lozenges are made of sugar, some also contain zinc or vitamin C. The recommended daily allowance for zinc during pregnancy is only 11–12 mg, while the recommended daily allowance for vitamin C is 80–85 mg. Consider the combined dose you will be receiving since the majority of women take prenatal vitamins. Except in cases where your doctor finds you to be deficient, taking excessive amounts of vitamins is not advised during pregnancy.
2. Alternatives to Oral Decongestants: Although the majority of research on the use of oral decongestants during pregnancy is encouraging with first trimester use, it’s still best to avoid them in the first trimester due to a potentially very low risk for fetal vascular issues. Saline drops or a temporary nasal spray decongestant alternative are options for pregnant women.
According to Sharon Voyer Lavigne, coordinator of CPEIS, “This time of year we are frequently questioned about the safety of using various cold remedies during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.”
1. Less is more when it comes to medication; only take what’s necessary to treat your particular symptoms. There are numerous ingredients in many cold remedies, some of which you (and your unborn child) do not need. A nasal decongestant is an additional medication that you can do without if your primary complaint is a cough, so avoid combination medications that contain it.
Since there are so many brand-name products with different formulations for fever and congestion or cough and cold symptoms, Lavigne says it can be confusing. Each product contains multiple and often different active ingredients.
Any food you consume or medication you take while pregnant has the potential to have an impact on the health of your unborn child. To help you stay as healthy as possible for both you and your unborn child, this page includes information about foods to avoid, medications you can take, and physical changes you can expect during pregnancy.
FAQ
Can you take zinc for a cold while pregnant?
Is zicam extreme congestion relief safe during pregnancy?
What can I take for a cold while pregnant?
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Safe during the entire pregnancy. Take only as needed. …
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) Safe in the second and third trimester. …
- Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) Safe during pregnancy. …
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Safe throughout pregnancy.
Who should not take zicam?