Acetaminophen / Phenylephrine Pregnancy Warnings
This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.AU TGA pregnancy category: B2US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned:-There is no data on use in pregnant women to know this drugs risks, including the risk of fetal harm or reproductive effects.-Acetaminophen is commonly used during pregnancy and has been assumed safe recent data questions the safety, especially with routine use or varying genetics. -Routine use of acetaminophen during pregnancy is not advised.-Phenylephrine is a sympathomimetic used in emergencies to treat hypotension and alleviate eye and ear allergic symptoms.-Phenylephrine could cause constriction in uterine vessels , reducing uterine blood flow, potentially causing fetal hypoxia.-Phenylephrine may interact with oxytocic or ergot derivatives to cause persistent maternal hypertension cerebral vessel rupture is possible.-Sympathomimetic amines are teratogenic in some animal models, but are not suspected to cause human teratogenicity.-First trimester exposure to phenylephrine may be linked to fetal abnormalities.-Patients with a preeclampsia history should use phenylephrine with caution due to its vasoconstrictive properties.-Phenylephrine may reduce placental perfusion.
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Sinus Infection While Pregnant: When To Call A Doctor
Jillian Stenzel
Jillian Stenzel
A Nevada-bred traveler & food nerd who dances & eats spinach, sometimes simultaneously. She writes from wherever her curiosity demands, and is passionate about spreading the wisdom of better health.
Ken Cosby M.D.
Ken Cosby M.D.
Dr. Ken Cosby received his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine and completed his research post-doc work at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health including the National Heart Lung Blood Institute and the National Cancer Institute.
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Cold Medications For Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
Selecting a cold medication while pregnant or breastfeeding that is going to be safe for both you and your baby can be stressful and overwhelming.
Here, youll find answers to your questions and information about common ingredients found in cold medicines that are considered safe for you and your baby.
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What Are The Best Treatment Options For Sinusitis During Pregnancy
If you have a sinus infection during your pregnancy, you may feel miserable. You may be tempted to take some medication in an attempt to get some quick relief.
Many mothers-to-be who are suffering from sinusitis are often faced with a difficult decision of what they can do to fight their symptoms without endangering their baby.
You may find that some home remedies are just as effective in alleviating your symptoms and helping you recover while avoiding harm to your baby.
These can include the following:
- Using a humidifier at night
- Drinking plenty of fluids such as water and broth. This helps you stay hydrated and helps thin the mucus.
- Using saline nasal irrigation or saline nose drops
- Using several pillows to elevate your head when you lie down
Some medications are safe to use during pregnancy, while other commonly used medicines may not be safe to take while youre pregnant.
In some cases, such as sinusitis caused by a bacterial infection, it may be safer for the baby if you take an antibiotic. The risk of possible harm to the baby is usually smaller from antibiotics than from the bacterial infection, but talk to your doctor for more information specific to your case.
Medications that are used to treat acute sinus infections include cefprozil and a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate. They are generally regarded as safe to use during pregnancy. So is acetaminophen , which can help with pain relief and/or headaches.
What Are The Different Types Of Sinus Infections
Sinusitis is divided into two types according to its severity and progression. They are :
- Acute sinusitis: It is also called sinus infection or rhinosinusitis, a short-term inflammation of the sinuses. It can result from a common cold, bacterial infections, or viral infections in the upper respiratory tract.
- Chronic sinusitis: Acute sinusitis takes the form of chronic rhinosinusitis when the inflammation continues for more than three months. This can be due to underlying conditions such as asthma, allergy, or nasal polyps.
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Treatment Of Sinus Tachycardia By Folk Remedies
Phytotherapy, or folk remedies, sinus tachycardia is suitable for reflex or compensatory forms of the disease. Can be used as an add-on to medical therapy. It is important, however, that all methods of treating peopleâs remedies be coordinated with the treating cardiologist.
- Herbal fees are mainly prepared from plants that have sedative effects. In particular, it is possible to use the dried roses of valerian, grass of the tortoiseshell, and the fruit of the anise. It is important to remember that cooked dishes should be protected from moisture, light and pests. They are usually used in freshly prepared form.
- Tinctures and infusions are created on the basis of valerian, melissa, coriander. Plants are taken in dried form and, depending on the recipe, insist on a few hours for up to 10 days . Take medications better than courses, between which is a break in two weeks.
- Herbal teas are very useful for heart muscle, if cooked from such plants as stingray, hawthorn, rosehip, valerian, mint.
These Surprising Safer Alternatives May Be A Better Choice
Mothers-to-be get headaches and upset stomachs just like everyone else. So its not surprising that most pregnant women have used over-the-counter medications. In fact, some data suggest that, overall, women are actually more likely to use certain medicationsincluding cough and cold drugs and acetaminophen after they become pregnant.
Theres a misperception that if a drug is available over-the-counter, that its approved by the Food and Drug Administration, so it must be safe for everyone, including pregnant women, Allen Mitchell, M.D. professor of pediatrics and epidemiology at the Boston University School of Public Health and Medicine, said. Even doctors may think this is the case. But some OTC drugs have been shown to pose risks to the developing fetus at different stages of pregnancy.
To help you and your doctor make more informed choices about which medications to take, weve identified 10 common ingredients used in OTC drugs that are risky for pregnant women, as well as safer alternatives.
Even then, you should use alternatives judiciously, and only as advised by your health care provider. Experts refer to safer medications because for 98 percent of prescription and OTC drugs, there simply isnt enough data to say for sure that a drug is entirely safe to take during pregnancy. Due to ethical concerns, most FDA-approved medicines have not been tested in pregnant women.
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The Best Medicine For Stuffy Nose And Sinus Pain:
shrink swollen blood vessels and tissues in your nose, making breathing easier. One type, pseudoephedrine , is sold without a prescription but only from behind the pharmacy counter and in limited quantities because it can be used to make the illegal drug methamphetamine .
Nasal decongestant sprays containing the active ingredient oxymetazoline do a good job of reducing stuffiness after just one dose, shows research in the December 1, 2019, issue of the journal Rhinology. However, you shouldnt use these sprays for more than three days in a row or your stuffy nose could get worse, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Preservative-free saline nasal sprays , which contain a small amount of salt diluted in sterilized water to help moisturize inflamed nasal passages, tend to be safe for daily use in people of all ages.
How To Safely Take Antibiotics In Pregnancy
The best way to take your antibiotics is to follow your doctors instructions. Because antibiotics have been used too much in the past, your doctor might be careful about what they give you.
Your doctor will choose the best type for you. They might think about other factors before giving you antibiotics. These might include:
- Avoiding antibiotics in the first trimester
- Testing to confirm the type of infection
- Giving the smallest dose possible
- Giving antibiotics for the shortest time possible
- Using only one type of antibiotic
- Only giving antibiotics when necessary
Antibiotics can interact with other medications or over-the-counter drugs. Your doctor might tell you not to take antibiotics with any other medicine.
Take as directed. Sometimes when you take antibiotics you start to feel better right away. Its important to take your medicine until its finished and the way your doctor says. This might help stop the bacteria from becoming resistant to the medicine.
Use other safe remedies. If you have a common cold or other minor conditions, your doctor likely wont give you antibiotics. Instead, ask about other over-the-counter medicine that is safe for you to take when youre pregnant. Other self-care practices for the common cold might be helpful, including:
- Saline nasal spray
- Warm salt water gargle
If you dont get better or you have new symptoms, make sure to talk to your doctor to rule out more serious conditions.
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When To See A Doctor
In some cases, at-home remedies might not do the trick. If you arenât feeling better after a few days, have a fever that isnât going away, are wheezing, or canât seem to shake the infection, make an appointment with your doctor. Chest congestion may indicate a condition more serious than the common cold or bronchitis.
Below are some ways you can feel better while your body fights off acute bronchitis:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.
- Use saline nasal spray or drops to relieve a stuffy nose.
- For young children, use a rubber suction bulb to clear mucus.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can help you feel better. Always use over-the-counter medicines as directed. Remember, over-the-counter medicines may provide temporary relief of symptoms, but they will not cure your illness.
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Best Cold Medicine For Sore Throat
A sore throat can be uncomfortable, and even prevent you from consuming the nutrient-rich foods that will help with your recovery. Local anesthetics, like a chloraseptic spray or throat lozenges, can help with this discomfort. A sore throat may also be caused by postnasal drip, and using an OTC antihistamine can provide symptom relief, as well. If your sore throat persists, you might want to be checked for strep throat.
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Prescription Medications Youre Already Taking
Before pregnancy, you may already be taking prescription medications for thyroid issues, high blood pressure, or other conditions. Speak with your doctor about continuing these medications, especially if youre already pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the near future.
In many cases, you may safely take your medication during pregnancy. Sometimes you may need to either adjust dosages or switch to another medication thats considered safer for you and baby.
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Is Blowing Your Nose Bad When Pregnant
Pregnancy rhinitis is a common condition that causes nasal congestion. These changes can lead to pregnancy rhinitis, a condition that affects 39 percent of women at some point during their pregnancy. During pregnancy, blood flow to the mucous membranes increases. The nose is full of mucous membranes.
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How To Treat Patients For Migraine During Pregnancy
Its important for providers who treat women during their reproductive years to be aware of treatment options that are safe during pregnancy. Many women with migraine who are pregnant or considering pregnancy stop taking their migraine medications and assume they dont have safe treatment options availablebut this is simply not true.
Women typically start to experience migraine attacks during adolescence, which aligns with when menstruation begins. The highest incidence of migraine is between ages 18 and 44, which are also the year many women experience pregnancy. The rate of migraine among women is three times higher than it is for men. Because of these figures, it is believed that fluctuations in estrogen levels play a role in migraine development.
Dr. Tracy Grossman, an obstetrician-gynecologist who has completed a fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine and earned a masters in neuroscience, shares the range of treatment options available for pregnant patients with migraine.
Coping With Headaches In Pregnancy
Paracetamol is the first choice of painkiller if you’re pregnant.
However, for safety, if you take paracetamol in pregnancy, take it for the shortest possible time.
You can get advice from your pharmacist, midwife or GP about how much paracetamol you can take and for how long.
There are some painkillers you should avoid in pregnancy such as those containing codeine, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen unless prescribed by your doctor.
You can also make changes to your lifestyle to try and help prevent and treat headaches. Try to:
- drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
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How Can I Prevent Sinusitis
- lentils and chickpeas
- Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated.
- Use a salt-water nasal spray to rinse out your nostrils. This may help to unblock your nose and ease congestion. Your pharmacist can talk you through how and when to use the nasal spray.
- Place a warm flannel on your forehead, nose and cheeks for a few minutes, several times a day. This may help to soothe your pain and encourage mucus to drain from your sinuses.
What Causes A Sinus Infection During Pregnancy
Some possible triggers of a sinus infection during pregnancy include:
- Hormones: The different hormones released during pregnancy, namely, estrogen and progesterone, human growth hormone , and placental growth hormone , cause enlargement of the nasal mucous membranes, thus facilitating increased blood flow into the nasal passages. This further leads to swelling of the nasal veins causing congestion or worsening existing sinusitis .
- Infections: Although not specific to pregnancy, bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can be one of the contributing factors to sinusitis . Due to altered immunity, women may be more susceptible to such infections during pregnancy.
- Allergies: Nasal congestion may also occur due to an allergic reaction, such as allergic rhinitis or other seasonal allergies.
- Common cold: Stuffy nose is one of the common cold symptoms, and a pre-existing cold may increase the risk for sinusitis .
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How Can I Clear My Sinuses While Pregnant
Here are some other easy tips for anyone who is congested and pregnant:
When Do Pregnancy Headaches Start
Pregnancy headaches can become more frequent around nine weeks, when hormones and blood volume increase.
But, in general, headaches during pregnancy can start any time and feel like a typical headache you might have had when you werent pregnant.
The pain from a pregnancy headache might be concentrated on one side of the head, the sinuses, or both sides of the head, Columbo says.
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When To See Your Doctor
A sinus infection can resolve itself with home treatment. But there are times when you should see a doctor.
Make an appointment with your doctor if your symptoms dont improve with OTC medications or home remedies, or if your symptoms worsen.
Contact your doctor if you have a fever higher than 101°F , or if you start coughing up green or yellow mucus. Also see your doctor if you have recurrent sinus infections.
Leaving a severe sinus infection untreated increases the risk of complications, such as meningitis. Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes in the brain or spinal cord.
An untreated infection can spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, eyes, and skin. It can also affect your sense of smell.
What If I Take Antibiotics Before Realizing Im Pregnant
While many antibiotics are considered safe during pregnancy, Dr. Salinger cautions that a few, in particular, are associated with an increased miscarriage if taken before 20 weeks. A 2017 study found that azithromycin , Cipro, and Bactrim increased the risk of miscarriage during the first trimester. That said, the risk is said to be very low.
If you took one of these antibiotics before realizing you were pregnant, try not to panicafter all, you didnt know! The best thing you can do is make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss the next steps and ensure all is well with baby.
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Cold Medicine And Pregnancy
Coming down with the common cold is always unpleasant, let alone if youre pregnant. While many medications are off-limits during pregnancy, there are some remedies to relieve your symptoms.
Common Cold Medicine and Pregnancy: Go Natural
Before you consider taking drugstore medicines for the common cold, you might want to consider some good old-fashioned home remedies, says Elisa Ross, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist on staff with the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
The reason: No over-the-counter medicines are really treating the cold or helping you get better, they just control symptoms.
Dr. Ross suggests:
Common Cold Medicine and Pregnancy: Whats Safe?
If you cant get enough relief from those home remedies, its possible to use common cold medicines with a few precautions. First, guidelines say its best to avoid all medication during the first trimester.
In the first 12 weeks the baby is making its organs, and so in general, if people dont need to take something during that time it would be great if they didnt, says Dr. Ross. more serious consequences at the beginning of the pregnancy.
Next, Ross says the safest bet is to look for medications with the fewest ingredients possible.
There are also specific medicines to avoid during pregnancy:
- Any herbal medications or remedies
Common Cold Medicine and Pregnancy: The Safe List