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Nonprescription Medications |
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Late -
Pregnancy
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Nonprescription Medications Many people, not just pregnant women, hold the false belief that medications they can buy without a prescription (over-the-counter medications) are harmless. Nothing could be further from the truth. Carelessness with over-the-counter preparations could harm you and your developing baby.
Use caution when you take any over-the-counter [O'I' C) medication during pregnancy. Ask your doctor about any medication before you take it, whether it is prescription or nonprescription. Many O'I'Cs contain aspirin, caffeine, alcohol or phenacetin, all of which should be avoided during pregnancy. Cough syrups may contain as much as 25% alcohol (that's 50 proof!).
Use medications that contain ibuprofen with care; brand-name ibuprofen medications include Advil, Motrin and Rufen. Avoid Aleve (naprosyn) and Orudis (ketoprofen) until we know more about their safety during pregnancy. Read package labels, and get approval from your doctor or pharmacist before taking anything.
Don't overuse any product during pregnancy. You can get too much of a good thing. Your doctor will not be angry or upset if you call the office with a question about a medication. It's much easier to answer a question and solve a potential problem about a medication before you take it.
Laxatives. You may become constipated at some point during pregnancy and need a laxative. If you find a laxative is necessary for more than 2 or 3 days, contact your doctor. He or she will probably advise you to make dietary changes to help with the problem.
Diarrhea Medications.
Some medications for diarrhea are safe during pregnancy. Imodium is OK to use, but most doctors recommend avoiding the pink bismuth-type preparations during pregnancy. If you have bloody diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts longer than a few days, contact your doctor.
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