Safe OTC Medications During Pregnancy

Below is a list of over-the-counter (OTC) medications that are safe to take during pregnancy. The list is sorted alphabetically by the symptoms or conditions that the medications treat.

Do not use any aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) products.

Use all medications sparingly during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Unless otherwise advised, always follow the directions on the medication package. 

Symptoms & safe medications

Allergies/ allergic reaction: Claritin, Benadryl, Zyrtec

Congestion/sinusitis: Afrin saline spray (blue box), Sudafed (plain), Actifed

Constipation: Metamucil, Fibercon, Citracal, Colace, Senokot Plain, Milk of Magnesia

Cough: Robitussin DM

Diarrhea: Immodium

Enema: Fleets (contact your doctor first)

Fever: Tylenol Extra Strength (take 2 every 6 hours)

Gas: Phasyme 125, Mylicon 80

Headache: Tylenol Extra Strength (take 2 every 6 hours)

Heartburn: Maalox, Rolaids, Tums, Mylanta, Gaviscon, Zantac (up to 150mg twice daily)

Hemorrhoids: Anusol HC cream, Tucks Pads, Preparation H

Motion sickness: Benadryl

Nausea: Vitamin B6 (25mg 3 times a day), ginger

Pain: Tylenol Extra Strength (take 2 every 6 hours)

Sore throat: Chloroseptic spray or drops, Cepacol lozenges, gargle with warm salt water

Yeast infection: Monistat, Gynelotrimin, Mycelex