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HF 8219

Safe Non-Prescription Medicines During Pregnancy

We want to help you stay happy and healthy during your pregnancy. There may be times during your pregnancy when you feel like you need over-the-counter medicines.

We have listed over-the-counter medicines that are safe for pregnant women. Follow the instructions on the package for the correct dose. Do not take NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen.

Common Conditions and Treatments

Cough or Sore Throat

  • Plain Robitussin cough syrup(guaifenesin)

  • All cough drops

  • Chloraseptic Sore Throat Spray(phenol)

Cold, Sinus Congestion, Allergies

  • Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine)

  • Claritin (loratadine)

  • Zyrtec (cetirizine)

  • Saline nasal spray

Constipation

  • Pericolace (sennosides/docusate) or Colace (docusate)

  • Metamucil (psyllium)

  • Fibercon (polycarbophil)

  • Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide)

  • MiraLAX

Diarrhea

  • Imodium (loperamide)

Headache

  • Plain Tylenol (acetaminophen)

  • Extra Strength Tylenol

Heartburn or Indigestion

  • Tums

  • Maalox

  • Mylanta

  • Rolaids

  • Gaviscon (calcium carbonate)

  • Pepcid AC (famotidine)

  • Axid AR (nizatidine)

Hemorrhoids

  • Preparation H(phenylephrine/hydrocortisone)

    • Cream

    • Ointment

    • Gel

    • Pads

    • Suppositories

  • Anusol (hydrocortisone)

  • Tucks pads (witch hazel)

  • Americaine (benzocaine)

  • Non-medicated sitz baths

Insomnia

  • Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

  • Unisom (doxylamine)

  • Tylenol PM

Nausea

  • Ginger lollipops

  • Vitamin B6 25-50 mg three times daily

  • Unisom (doxylamine) ½ tablet twice daily

  • Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

Vaginal Itching

  • Monistat 7 (miconazole)

When to Call

If you have questions about safe medicines during pregnancy or need to schedule a visit, please call your Ob-Gyn provider.

Who to Call

20 S. Park St. Clinic*
20 S. Park St., Suite 307
20 S. Park St., Suite 506
Madison, WI 53715
(608) 287-2830

Ob-Gyn Resident Physician Clinic
20 S. Park St.
Madison, WI 53715
(608) 287-2830

Union Corners Clinic*
2402 Winnebago St.
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 242-6840

West Clinic*
451 Junction Rd.
Madison, WI 53717
(608) 265-7601

*Location includes Midwifery Clinic

For a complete list of our providers and clinics, please visit uwhealth.org.