What sinus meds can i take while pregnant

The Hippocratic Oath takes on a much greater meaning for a pregnant woman: “I will apply dietetic measures for the benefit of the sick according to my ability and judgment; I will keep them from harm and injustice.”Most people mistakenly assume it says, “First, do no harm,” but whichever way a patient wishes to take it, the pregnant patient is thinking not of herself, but of her baby. Sinus medicine may relieve the woman’s symptoms, but at what cost to the baby?

No Such Thing as a Safe Medication List

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) cautions that pregnant women seeking sinus relief should first consult their doctors, because many medicines in online “safe medication lists” could have unknown side effects on fetuses.The CDC states, “A conversation with a healthcare provider can help ensure that you are taking only what is necessary.” The trained professionals at the American Sinus Institute can work with a pregnant patient to find the minimal medication needed to provide sinus relief.

Sinus Medicine Alternatives

Consumer Reports suggests that pregnant women consider non-drug solutions to issues like sinus headache and sinus pressure. Getting rest, increasing fluids and having chicken soup can relieve sinus pressure and headaches. Other recommendations:

 
• Avoid combination products, such as multi-symptom cold or allergy medicines that may combine safe acetaminophen with potentially unsafe phenylephrine
 
• Read labels—Alcohol and caffeine (both not recommended for pregnant women) can appear in over-the-counter medications
 
• Talk to a doctor—Expectant mothers should consult an ENT specialist, Ob/Gyn, or family doctor about sinus medicine pregnant patients can safely take

Another excellent alternative to medication for sinusitis, say the experts at The Bump, is a vaporizer. Especially in combination with doctor-prescribed Augmentin, which is used in chronic sinusitis treatment even with pregnant women, such complementary treatments can bring relief.

Keep Them From Harm

Pregnant women must think first of their babies before themselves, so preventing sinus headaches and sinusitis in the first place helps avoid struggles with medications.Especially important in prevention is monitoring indoor air quality for proper humidity levels and minimal allergens. Keeping indoor air between 35 percent and 50 percent humidified can prevent sinusitis, while regular monthly air conditioning air filter changes can reduce pollen and other allergens.Sinus issues increase during pregnancy because blood vessels in the nose swell with the hormonal changes. Saline nose drops are always safe, as they have no medicine to interfere with the baby, and can provide relief from the stuffy nose and breathing difficulties the swollen nasal passage causes.

Antihistamines

If a pregnant woman has allergy-related sinusitis, the CDC notes that many antihistamines are not linked to birth defects. The pregnant woman is advised to consult her ENT specialist or Ob/Gyn, but specific medications that appear to be safe include:

 
• diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)
 
• loratadine (Claritin®)
 
• cetirizine (Zyrtec ®)

Balloon Sinuplasty

The specialists at the American Sinus Institute can help pregnant patients to find a safe, effective course of treatment for acute or chronic sinusitis. Treatment may include balloon sinuplasty to relieve sinus pain symptoms. Contact the experts at American Sinus Institute today to schedule an appointment today.

Wondering whether it's safe to take cold medicine during pregnancy? It depends. Some of the ingredients in cold medications have been studied and are generally considered safe for pregnant women. Others haven't been researched well enough or have been linked to pregnancy complications and are best avoided.

Cold medications that are okay to take during pregnancy

The following drugs have been studied or used relatively often in pregnant women and are generally considered safe to use when you're expecting:

• Acetaminophinto relieve pain and reduce fevers. It's best to take the minimum effective dose for only as long as you need it, and to never exceed the recommended maximum dosage per day.
• Antihistaminesto relieve nasal congestion. Antihistamines that are considered safe for pregnant women include:
  • Chlorpheniramine
  • Loratadine
  • Cetirizine
  • Dexchlorpheniramine
  • Doxylamine
  • Diphenhydramine (this common drug may cause uterine contractions, so in the third trimester it should be used only under the direction of your doctor)
• The cough suppressant dextromethorphan is often found in over-the-counter cold medicines like Robitussin and is considered safe for pregnant women.
• Cough drops with benzocaine or menthol are usually approved for use during pregnancy. Benzocaine doesn't get into the bloodstream, so it's very unlikely to pose a risk to a developing baby. Menthol is unlikely to cause problems during pregnancy, as long as it's used as recommended.
• Decongestant corticosteroid nasal sprays are usually considered safe for use over a short period of time. Nasal strips, saline nasal sprays, and Neti pots are the safest options to use during pregnancy, as they don't contain any medications.
• Decongestant chest rub with camphor oil (such as Vicks) is generally considered safe if used on the skin as directed, though it isn't an effective decongestant. The ingredients in a chest rub might feel nice and make you feel like you're breathing easier, though.

Cold medications to avoid or use with caution

Your doctor or midwife will likely suggest avoiding the following medications during pregnancy – or may recommend skipping them in certain trimesters – often because there's a concern that they could contribute to possible birth defects or pregnancy complications:

• The decongestants pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are generally not recommended during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. After the first trimester, occasional use of these medications (for example, once or twice daily for no more than a day or two) may be safe. More frequent use, however, could be problematic, because these drugs constrict blood vessels. This could decrease blood flow to the placenta and raise your blood pressure. So be sure to check with your healthcare provider first if you want to try either type of decongestant, especially if you've already been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
• The expectorant guaifenesin (Mucinex) thins mucus secretions in the respiratory passages, making it easier to cough them up. While one study found an increased risk of inguinal hernias in babies exposed to this drug, most studies don't suggest that guaifenesin increases the risk of birth defects. But since there hasn't been a lot of research on the drug, your provider may recommend avoiding it in the first trimester.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and sodium salicylate, are usually not considered safe to use for pain relief during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against using NSAIDs after week 20, as they can cause rare but serious kidney problems in unborn babies and lower a mother's amniotic fluid levels.

Also keep in mind that herbal supplements (such as echinacea) haven't been well-studied in pregnant women (and some are dangerous), so skip them unless you've cleared a specific supplement with your provider.

Be aware that some liquid cold medicines contain alcohol in concentrations as high as 4.75 percent. Look for products that are labeled "alcohol-free."

Choosing the best cold medicine for pregnancy

Most cold medicines contain two or more drugs to treat several symptoms, making it more likely that they may contain a drug that isn't safe during pregnancy. To be safe, read labels and choose an option with the least number of active ingredients. During pregnancy, it's usually best to buy the specific medications you need individually rather than a multi-symptom medication.

Always talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medication when you're expecting. That way you can be sure you're choosing the safest option at the recommended dosage, and that it doesn't interfere with any other medications or supplements you're taking.

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