When it comes to taking medications while pregnant, it can be difficult to know what is safe and what is not. Even seemingly harmless over-the-counter drugs could have potentially devastating effects. Cepacol is a common over-the-counter medication used to treat sore throat and mouth pain, but can it be taken while pregnant? In this blog post, we will answer this question and discuss the potential risks associated with taking Cepacol during pregnancy. We will also explore alternative treatments for sore throat and mouth pain. This information can help you make an informed decision about whether or not Cepacol is a safe option for you if you are pregnant.
Active Ingredients Present in Cough Drops
Although the composition of cough drops varies greatly between brands, the most likely active ingredient is one of the following:
As an anesthetic, benzocaine aids in numbing a region. It is frequently utilized in teething gels, topical numbing agents, and over-the-counter tooth pain relievers.
It can work well in cough syrup to soothe a sore throat.
The Verdict Because benzocaine does not enter the bloodstream, taking it while pregnant is safe because your unborn child will not be exposed
Eucalyptus is a natural ingredient that acts as an antiseptic, meaning it can kill bacteria (3). It also acts as an expectorant, helping to thin and loosen mucus.
Eucalyptus is frequently combined with menthol in multipurpose cough drops to help relieve cold symptoms and soothe sore throats because it can also help relieve congestion.
The Verdict Although you may have heard that using eucalyptus as an essential oil while pregnant is not advised, it is probably fine in cough syrup. The quantity is considerably less than if you continuously diffuse the oil or apply it topically.
This ingredient is frequently used in cough drops that promise to shorten the duration of a common cold. Many people swear by this treatment to help them lessen the severity of a cold or to feel better faster, despite the fact that there is conflicting medical evidence regarding whether a mega-dose of zinc can boost immunity and ward off a virus.
If you’re thinking about taking a zinc lozenge, keep in mind that your prenatal vitamin probably already contains zinc.
The VerdictWomen shouldn’t take more than 40 mg of zinc daily.
Although zinc is a crucial nutrient for boosting your immune system, you should be careful not to consume too much of it.
Pectin, a naturally occurring substance present in many fruits, reduces swelling or irritation. It is most commonly found in fruit-flavored, non-menthol cough drops.
The VerdictUsing pectin while pregnant is generally regarded as safe.
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant, so it helps you if you have a persistent cough or a constant tickle in your throat. However, the research is conflicted about whether it is appropriate for pregnant women to take as it has been linked to birth defects in chickens (5).
Recent studies seem to show no negative effects on human pregnancy, but if you are worried about potential harm, look for a lozenge that doesn’t contain the medication.
The Verdict To be safe, avoid dextromethorphan if your sore throat is not accompanied by a cough.
You experience a cooling sensation in your throat and nasal passages when you inhale a menthol-containing cough drop. It also helps numb the throat and relieve congestion.
Menthol is commonly used during pregnancy, but medical providers tend to disagree on whether it’s completely safe or not as it has not been widely studied (6).
The Bottom LineIf you are concerned, avoid menthol. Additionally, there is no need to overmedicate if you don’t have a stuffy nose; therefore, avoid taking it.
When combined with menthol in a throat lozenge, peppermint oil has a similar effect. Similar to eucalyptus oil, it’s not advised to apply it directly to the skin while pregnant, but the tiny amounts found in cough drops make it unlikely to harm your unborn child.
The Verdict It won’t harm you or your baby in small amounts. But avoid peppermint oil if you have any worries, especially if you don’t have nasal congestion.
Pregnancy medicine safety tips
The effects of other medications on unborn children are unknown, despite the fact that some medications are thought to be safe during pregnancy. Some medications have the potential to result in developmental disabilities, prematurity, infant death, and birth defects.
Keep these things in mind:
List of safe medications, herbs and supplements for you and your baby:
The safest over-the-counter supplements during pregnancy are prenatal vitamins.
These vitamins contain folic acid and iron, which reduce the risk of birth defects and anemia. Prenatal vitamins are best taken at least six weeks before you become pregnant.
Take these vitamins for the duration of pregnancy and for three months following delivery.
FAQ
Can you take cepacol during pregnancy?
Which throat lozenges are safe during pregnancy?
Are throat drops safe during pregnancy?
Is benzocaine lozenges safe for pregnancy?