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Use Of Over The Counter Medications |
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7 Pregnancy Week -
Symptoms
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Pregnancy Medications At Week 7 Of Pregnancy.Using Over-the-Counter Medications and Preparations
Many people don't consider over-the-counter (OTC) preparations as medication and they take them at will, pregnant or not. Some researchers believe nonprescription, or over-the-counter, medication usage increases during pregnancy.
OTC medications and preparations may not be safe during pregnancy. Use them with as much caution as any other drug! Many OTC preparations are combinations of medications. For example, pain medication can contain aspirin, caffeine and phenacetin. Cough syrups or sleep medications can contain as much as 25% alcohol. This is no different than drinking wine or beer during pregnancy.
Another medication to be careful with is ibuprofen, a popular product available in prescription and nonprescription forms. Experience with this medication during pregnancy is limited; it hasn't been available that long. There are no known benefits of taking ibuprofen during pregnancy, and there have been reports of possible harmful effects. Why take a chance? Ibuprofen products include Advil®, Motrin® and Rufen®.
Other popular over-the-counter products include naprosyn (Aleve®) and ketoprofen (Orudis®), both used to relieve pain or to reduce fever. Experience with these medications during pregnancy is limited. It is best to use them only under your doctor's supervision.
Talk to your doctor about taking any medication before you use it! Read package labels and package inserts about safety during pregnancy—nearly all medications contain this information. Some antacids contain sodium bicarbonate, which increases your intake of sodium (this can be important to avoid if you have water-retention problems) and can cause constipation and increased gas. Some antacids contain aluminum, which can cause constipation and affect the metabolism of other minerals (phosphate). Others contain magnesium; excessive use of these may cause magnesium poisoning.
Some over-the-counter medications and preparations can be used safely during pregnancy, if you use them wisely:
• acetaminophen (Tylenol®)
• some antacids (Amphojel, Gelusil, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia)
• throat lozenges (Sucrets®)
• some decongestants (Sudafed®)
• some cough medicines (Robitussin®)
If you think your symptoms or discomfort are more severe than they should be, call your healthcare provider. Follow his or her advice. In addition, take good care of yourself. Exercise, eat right and keep a positive mental attitude about your pregnancy.
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