Preg Med

Medications in pregnancy

Medication questions are the most common reason people arrive here. These pages are grouped by what a drug is for, then by brand.

Browse by what it treats

Pick the group your question is about, then the brand.

Every medication page

All 14 medication pages, by class. “Review status” describes the state of our page, not the safety of the drug.
BrandGeneric nameTreatsReview status
Tylenol Acetaminophen (paracetamol) Pain and fever Cites retired FDA letter category
Ibuprofen Ibuprofen Pain and fever Cites retired FDA letter category
Aspirin Acetylsalicylic acid Pain and fever Cites retired FDA letter category
Benadryl Diphenhydramine Allergy, cold and congestion Cites retired FDA letter category
Sudafed Pseudoephedrine Allergy, cold and congestion Cites retired FDA letter category
Mucinex Guaifenesin Allergy, cold and congestion Cites retired FDA letter category
Tums Calcium carbonate Heartburn and digestion Cites retired FDA letter category
Colace Docusate sodium Heartburn and digestion Not yet reviewed
Milk of Magnesia Magnesium hydroxide Heartburn and digestion Not yet reviewed
Amoxicillin Amoxicillin Antibiotics Cites retired FDA letter category
Prozac Fluoxetine Mental health Not yet reviewed
Serophene Clomifene citrate Fertility drugs Not yet reviewed
Caffeine Caffeine Caffeine and stimulants Cites retired FDA letter category
Flu shot Inactivated influenza vaccine Vaccines Not yet reviewed

Gaps we have not written yet

Drugs this archive already mentions in passing but has no page for. Listed so the shape of the section is complete before the writing starts.

Planned pages. Nothing here has been written, and no safety assessment is implied.
BrandGeneric nameWhy it is on the listStatus
Advil / Motrin Ibuprofen Mentioned on 8 pages, covered only by the generic ibuprofen article. Not written
Zofran Ondansetron Mentioned on 2 pages. No dedicated page; nausea is a top query. Not written
Unisom + B6 Doxylamine / pyridoxine Mentioned on 2 pages. No dedicated page. Not written
Zoloft Sertraline Mentioned on 5 pages. Only Prozac has a page. Not written
Paxil Paroxetine Mentioned on 4 pages. Not written
Celexa Citalopram Mentioned on 3 pages. Not written
Xanax Alprazolam Mentioned on 6 pages. Not written
Claritin Loratadine Mentioned on 2 pages. Not written
Zyrtec Cetirizine No coverage at all; a common allergy question. Not written
Pepcid Famotidine Mentioned once. Now the direct answer to the withdrawn Zantac. Not written
Prilosec Omeprazole Mentioned once. Not written
Imodium Loperamide Mentioned on 2 pages. Not written
Miralax Polyethylene glycol No coverage; constipation is a top query. Not written
Monistat Miconazole Mentioned on 2 pages; the yeast-infection article has no product page. Not written
Macrobid Nitrofurantoin Mentioned once. The standard UTI treatment in pregnancy. Not written
Keflex Cephalexin Mentioned once. Not written
Clomid Clomifene Mentioned on 6 pages; only the Serophene brand has a page. Not written
Tdap Tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis No coverage. Routinely offered in the third trimester. Not written

About medication in pregnancy

Thyroid medication Westhroid, Armour Thyroid (thyroid desiccated)Category A [76]no serious side effects have been reported apart from hair loss in some individuals [81]
Common Pregnancy Complaints Pregnancy-Safe Medications FDA Category Common Side Effects
Cold, cough, flu and sore throat medicines during pregnancy Mucinex, Glytuss (guaifenesin) – expectorant [2] Category C [3] Dizziness Headache Diarrhea Skin Rash Hives Nausea/Vomiting Stomach Pain
Robitussin DM, Balminil DM (dextromethorphan) – cough suppressant [4] Category C [5] Blurred vision Confusion, restlessness Drowsiness Nausea/vomiting Slowed breathing Stomach pain Shakiness/palpitation [6]
Benylin Expectorant (guaifenesin-dextromethorphan) [7] Category C Dizziness Stomach Upset Drowsiness [8]Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, swelling of the face/mouth [9])
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) – cough suppressant [10] Category B [11] Fatigue, dizziness Headache Dry mouth Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face/mouth, lips and tongue [12])
Sucrets lozenges (over-the-counter dyclonine) sore throat relief [13] Category C No common side effects have been reported [14] Contact your doctor in case of allergic reactions (hives, itching, breathing difficulty, swelling of the face/mouth)
Cough drops [15] – No common side effects have been reported
Pain medication Tylenol, Panadol, Anacin Aspirin-Free (acetaminophen/paracetamol) [16,17] Category B oral and rectal use [18]Category C in IV form [19] Skin rash Hives Blisters or skin peeling Itching Difficulty breathing Swelling of the face, mouth, throat, hands and feet A long-term study associated the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) in pregnancy with an increased risk of having a child with ADHD. However, conclusive research is still required [20].
Fever, headache and migraine medicines Tylenol (acetaminophen)
Morning sickness, vomiting, nausea medicines for pregnancy Emetrol (phosphoric acid/ fructose/dextrose) [21] Category C Fructose intolerant women may experience –Fainting Swelling of face, legs and arms Weight loss Vomiting Yellow eyes or skin Large doses may lead to abdominal pain and diarrhea [22].
Oral vitamin B6 [23] Category A(assigned to category C when the daily intake is higher than the RDA) Large doses may cause clumsiness and numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet [24]
Dramamine (over the counter dimenhydrinate) anti-nausea and vomiting medicine [23] Category B Blurred vision Drowsiness Headache, dizziness Ringing of the ears Dryness of the mouth Palpitation Incoordination [25]
Constipation medicines and stool softeners  Colace 50mg/100mg (docusate) [15] Category C  [26] Bloating Gas Bitter taste in the mouth Stomach pain Diarrhea Rectal irritation Throat irritation Allergic reactions [27]
Metamucil (psyllium) Category B [28] Minor gas and bloatingAbdominal discomfort [29]
Unifiber, Citrucel (methylcellulose) [16] Not classified (should be used only when absolutely necessary) Abdominal fullness and discomfort Severe side effects –Allergic reactions (rashes, itching, breathing problems) Chest pain Nausea, vomiting Difficulty swallowing [30]
Ex-Lax Milk of Magnesia (milk of magnesia) [31] Category A [32] Diarrhea Allergic reactions (rashes, itching, difficulty breathing)Appetite loss Nausea, vomiting
Diarrhea medicine Imodium (loperamide) Category C[33] Dizziness Vomiting Constipation Dry mouth Stomach pain Serious side effects –Skin rash Itching Difficulty breathing
 Parepectolin (attapulgite oral) Not classified; not absorbed after oral administration and therefore is believed to be harmless [34] Constipation Bloating Flatulence Stomach Upset Nausea [35]
Heartburn, acid reflux or acid indigestion and upset stomach Zantac (ranitidine) Category B [36] Constipation Nausea Stomach pain Headache [37]
Mylanta (aluminum/magnesium/simethicone) Category C [38] Nausea Constipation/diarrhea Headache Allergic reactions (skin rash, hives, itching, breathing difficulty) [39]
Tums (calcium carbonate) Category C [40] No common side effects have been reported. Some may develop allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face/mouth) [41]
Riopan (magaldrate-oral) Category C [42] Loss of appetite Diarrhea/constipation [43]
Gaviscon (aluminum/magnesium trisilicate) Category C [44] There are usually no side effects except for constipation or diarrhea [45]. Allergic reactions may occur in some individuals
Gas and bloating medications Gas X, Mylanta Gas (simethicone) Category C [46] No serious side effects have been reported. Contact your doctor in case of any suspected adverse effects. [47]
Decongestants and sinus medications Ocean Mist Nasal Spray (OTC intranasal sodium chloride) [48] Category A No serious side effects have been reported
Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) [49] Category C [50] in second and third trimestersNot recommended during the first trimester Headache Restlessness Insomnia Nausea, vomiting Nervousness Increased blood pressure [50]
Sleeplessness and insomnia Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) [16] Category B
Unisom Sleep-Aid (Doxylamine succinate) [51] Category B [52] Drowsiness Dizziness and headache Constipation Stomach upset Decreased coordination Dry mouth [53]
Blood pressure medication Methyldopa (prescription medication) Category B [54] Headache Drowsiness Swelling of the feet and ankles Vomiting Upset stomach Muscle weakness Diarrhea Dry mouth [55]
Trandate (Labetalol, prescription medication) [56] Category C [57] Fatigue Headache and lightheadedness Tingling sensations on the skin Upset stomach Stuffy nose [58]
Allergy medicines while pregnant Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine) Category C [59] Constipation/diarrhea Dizziness Drowsiness Dry mouth Headache Loss of appetite Nausea Anxiety Trouble sleeping Vomiting [60]
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine) Category B
Claritin (loratadine, an antihistamine) Category B Headache Fatigue Dry mouth [82]
Yeast infection and other fungal infections (e.g. athlete’s foot) Monistat-1 (tioconazole) Category C [61] Headache urethral or vaginal pain/burning/itching [62]
Terazol 7 Vaginal (terconazole) Category C [63] Headache Serious side effects –Burning or irritation in the vagina Fever Stomach pain unusual vaginal discharge [64]
Mycelex 7, Lotrimin AF (Clotrimazole vaginal cream) [16] Category B [65] Burning, swelling, irritation, redness, pimple-like bumps and flaking of the treated skin area Stomach pain Fever Foul-smelling discharge [66]
Topical Mentax (butenafine) Category C [67] Irritation, burning, redness and itching of the treated skin area [68]
Hemorrhoid Anusol HC (hydrocortisone rectal, prescription) Category C Burning sensation after application Sensitivity reactions (skin rash, scaly skin) [69]
Tucks (pramoxine) Not classified; should not be used unless potential benefits outweigh possible risks [71] Burning or stinging sensation after application [70]
Preparation H (phenylephrine/mineral oil/petrolatum) Category C[72] No serious side effects have been reported. May lead to allergic reactions in some individuals. [73]
Thyroid medication Westhroid, Armour Thyroid (thyroid desiccated) Category A [76] no serious side effects have been reported apart from hair loss in some individuals [81]
Cytomel, Triostat (liothyronine) Category A [79] Nausea and hair loss are the only common side effects [74]
Seizure medications Vitamin B6
Aptiom (eslicarbazepine acetate) Category C [75] Consulting your doctor is recommended to assess the potential risks and benefits as leaving seizures untreated can be harmful for both the mother and baby [77]
Antibiotic medications Penicillin V Category B [80] Fast breathing Joint pain Light headedness Fever [78]
Amoxicillin Category B [113] Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Headache Stomach pain Vaginal discharge [112]

Medicines to avoid during pregnancy

Use of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), anti-depressants and anxiety medications is not recommended at any stage of pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.
Pregnancy ailment Name of the Medication FDA Category Adverse effects during pregnancy
Treatment of fever, headache, pain and inflammation (NSAIDs) Aspirin Category C in first and second trimesters Category D in the third trimester [85] Fetal complications and birth defects such as pulmonary hypertension in the newborn babies Complications at the time of delivery [89, 90]
Advil, Motrin, Nuprin (ibuprofen) Category C before 30th week of gestation Category D after 30th week of gestation [83]
Anaprox, Aleve, Naprosyn (naproxen) Category C before week 30Category D for prolonged use after week 30 [86]
Anti-diarrheal medicines Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate (bismuth subsalicylate) Category C in first and second trimestersCategory D in third trimester [88] Intrauterine growth problems and serious birth defects Complications during delivery [84]
Depression and anxiety medications Xanax (alprazolam) Category D [92] Increased risk of congenital defects when taken in the first trimester Birth defects, developmental problems and floppy baby syndrome [94]
Paxil (paroxetine) Category D [87] Use in early pregnancy can lead to serious fetal heart defects [91]Use in third trimester may lead to withdrawal symptoms including feeding problems, breathing difficulty, muscle stiffness, seizures and constant crying [97]
Celexa (citalopram) Category C [95] Congenital malformations signs of withdrawal after birth, like constant crying, feeding difficulties, breathing problems, seizures etc (when used during the third trimester) [93]
Zoloft (sertraline) Category C [98] Increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn or PPH NU se in the last few months are associated with congenital complications often requiring respiratory assistance and tube feeding [100]
Prozac (fluoxetine) Category C [96] Use in late third trimester may lead to serious breathing problems, feeding difficulty, muscle stiffness and other symptoms of withdrawal in the newborn baby [99]
Bipolar disorder medications Klonopin (clonazepam) Category D [102] May lead to serious birth defects and problems in the newborn baby. Consulting your doctor is recommended if taking the medication for seizure management as untreated seizure during pregnancy is also harmful for both the mother and baby. [103]
Topamax Category D [101]

FDA Category X medicines

The medicines included in the following list are not recommended in pregnancy under any circumstances due to possible fatal outcomes.
Name of medicine Use Adverse effects
Coumadin (warfarin) Anticoagulant or blood thinner used to prevent blood clotting disorders as well as reduce the risks of stroke and heart attack [106] When taken in the first trimester: Bilateral optic atrophy, bone malformations, nasal hypoplasia and learning disabilities (fetal warfarin syndrome) [105]When taken in second and third trimesters: Fatal maternal or fetal hemorrhage, microcephaly, increased risk of miscarriage [104]
Trexall, Rheumatrex (methotrexate) Management of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, treatments of certain cancers including the skin, lungs and breast cancers [109] Serious congenital deformities and fetal death [107]
Claravis, Sotret (isotretinoin) Treatment of severe nodular acne unresponsive to any other treatment options, including antibiotics [108] Spontaneous abortion, premature delivery, birth defects, physical deformities, skull malformations, central nervous system and cardiovascular system defects [110]
Danazol Treating fibrocystic breast disease and endometriosis, preventing hereditary angioedema attacks [111] Life threatening congenital defects