Is Cough Medicine Safe While Pregnant? An OB/GYN’s Take

Read on to see what healthcare experts have to say about taking cough medicine while pregnant, including safe ingredients to look for, potential side effects, and certain products they recommend.

Is it safe to take cough medicine while pregnant?

In short, yes, it’s safe to take certain types of cough medicine when you’re pregnant, Michelle Silver, MD, an internal medicine and primary-care doctor at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, tells Well+Good.

But there are specific kinds that are best: “Cough medicines that contain guaifenesin and dextromethorphan should be okay for a short time,” says Meleen Chuang, MD, the chief of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU Langone Hospital. Here’s a breakdown of the uses of both:

• Dextromethorphan: temporarily relieves coughing and, according to recent studies, is one of the top-recommended cough treatments for people who are pregnant.
• Guaifenesin: helps clear lung and chest congestion and is also safe to consume while pregnant, according to Dr. Silver.

Dr. Chuang recommends taking one to two doses for as-needed relief, along with trying home remedies such as warm showers, vapor rub, Vicks shower steamers ($26), or tea with honey and lemon.

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Which ingredients are not recommended?

With all the above in mind, Dr. Chuang says there are still some types of cough medicines to stay away from. She recommends steering clear of ones that contain pseudoephedrine—a type of nasal decongestant. Some common OTC meds that contain this ingredient are Sudafed, certain types of Robitussin, and Mucinex D.

Pseudoephedrine can be dangerous in pregnancy because it may increase the risk of things like “uterine contractions, vaginal bleeding, and an increased risk of severe pregnancy complications,” Dr. Chuang adds. So, be sure to check in with your healthcare provider before taking these medicines.

There are possible side effects and risks

While cough medicines that contain dextromethorphan or guaifenesin are safe to take in moderation, they can have side effects that vary from product to product, says Dr. Chuang. These side effects can also happen when you are not pregnant, so keep that in mind as you are taking any type of cough relief medicine at home. The National Library of Medicine notes common side effects include the following:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Restlessness
• Nervousness
• Nausea or stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Allergic reactions

Be sure to contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash or any other severe and unexpected side effects after taking cough medicine. Also, if you’re pregnant and have high blood pressure, it’s not typically recommended to take cough medicine (especially ones with pseudoephedrine) as they can increase your numbers. So, be sure to check with your provider before trying it, says Dr. Silver.

OK, but what about cough drops?

According to Dr. Chuang, cough drops are a safe alternative remedy to take while pregnant. She recommends looking for drops with simple, soothing ingredients like peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, or honey—all of which are known to soothe a sore, itchy throat.

Just remember to check cough drop labels to make sure there are no potentially harmful ingredients—like pseudoephedrine—in the product. If you’re ever unsure, ask your healthcare provider for specific recommendations.

5 cough medicines (or alternatives) recommended by OB/GYNs

The next time you’re at the store or the pharmacy looking for something to nip your cold in the bud, Dr. Chuang says the following products are your best bet:

1. Robitussin ($12): This medicine has both dextromethorphan and guaifenesin to thin mucus and relieve cough. Just make sure you are buying the type that doesn’t have pseudoephedrine.
2. Mucinex ($15): Plain Mucinex contains guaifenesin to thin mucus for more productive coughing.
3. Benadryl ($14): Even though it’s typically used to relieve allergy symptoms, Benadryl’s main ingredient, diphenhydramine, can help with minor cold symptoms, too.
4. Tylenol ($7): This medicine, also known as acetaminophen, is a safe choice for pain and fever management.
5. Zarbee’s Baby Cough Syrup ($7): For a more natural option, this syrup contains agave nectar and zinc to soothe a cough and irritated throat.

Dr. Silver also recommends trying a nasal decongestant spray like Vicks Sinex ($15) if you need to relieve coughing in particular. “Post-nasal drip causes coughing,” she says. “Nasal decongestant spray is one of the most effective treatments for a cough because it eases that post-nasal drip.”

When to see a healthcare provider

During pregnancy, it’s always important to monitor your health carefully. While most cough and cold symptoms are mild and will typically go away on their own, reach out to your healthcare provider if you experience the following symptoms:

• Persistent high fever
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing up thick, yellow-green phlegm
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Weight loss
• Worsening symptoms despite taking medication

And as mentioned, reach out to your provider right away if you experience a rash or severe, unexpected side effects after taking cough medicine, as this could indicate an allergic reaction.

The final takeaway

Cough medicine that contains dextromethorphan and guaifenesin is generally safe to take while pregnant, along with other non-cough medicine options like Tylenol and Benadryl for general cold symptom relief. You can also take cough drops, as long as they don’t contain potentially risky ingredients like pseudoephedrine, which can increase your risk for certain pregnancy complications.

It’s best to also incorporate natural cough remedies when you’re feeling under the weather, including drinking tea with lemon and honey, taking a warm shower, or using vapor rub, according to experts.

When in doubt about a medication’s safety during pregnancy, ask your healthcare provider, who can offer personalized treatment recommendations to ensure the safety of you and your pregnancy.