Is It Safe for My Baby? - Cough and Cold Medications

(e.g., cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan (DM), decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®); antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®); expectorants such as guafenasin; nasal sprays such as xylometazoline (Otrivin®) or oxymetazoline (Dristan®, Drixoral®))

Risks During Pregnancy

• Most ingredients in cough and cold products have been found to be safe. However, these products often have many ingredients, so make sure you check the list of ingredients before you buy the product.
• Some products contain antihistamines and/or painkillers. For more specific information, refer to allergy medications and pain medications.
• Oral decongestants (e.g. pseudoephedrine) have shown to be safe in the recommended daily doses, but very large doses can increase blood pressure and should be avoided.
• Cough suppressants (e.g., DM) and expectorants (e.g., guafenasin) found in over-the-counter cough and cold medications are safe in pregnancy.

Recommendations During Pregnancy

• Many different products are available, and the ingredients in each can change from year to year, so check with your doctor or pharmacist to help you choose your cough and cold medicine. Use products only for the symptoms you have (to avoid taking ingredients you don’t need).
• For stuffy nose, try a saline nasal spray first, or use a decongestant spray for a few days. It is best to avoid oral decongestants.
• Choose cough syrups that contain dextromethorphan (DM) and/or guafenasin.
• Contact your doctor if your symptoms become more severe or last more than a few days.

Risks During Breastfeeding

• Most ingredients in cough and cold products have been found to be safe. However, these products often have many ingredients, so make sure you check the list of ingredients before you buy the product.
• Oral decongestants (e.g. pseudoephedrine) may cause some irritability and sleeping problems in the baby.
• Some cough and cold medications contain antihistamines and/or painkillers. For more specific information, refer to allergy medications and pain medications.
• Cough suppressants (DM) and expectorants (guafenasin) found in over-the-counter cough and cold medications are safe.

Recommendations During Breastfeeding

• Many different products are available, and the ingredients in each can change from year to year, so check with your doctor or pharmacist to help you choose your cough and cold medicine. Use products only for the symptoms you have to avoid taking ingredients you don't need.
• Choose cough syrups that contain dextromethorphan (DM) and/or guafenasin.
• For stuffy nose, begin by trying a saline nasal spray, or use a decongestant spray for a few days.
• If your symptoms are more severe or last more than a few days, contact your doctor.
• Check with your doctor or certified lactation consultant about the possibility of timing your dose with breastfeeding times.

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