Can I Use Afrin During My Pregnancy or While Breastfeeding? Atleast you now know! Hey~ Dont feel bad. Put two inches of apple cider vinegar in a pan and heat until it begins to steam. Phenylephrine is a type of medicine called a decongestant. There are no adequate scientific studies to prove the safe use of the decongestant medication phenylephrine when pregnant. Dr. Antoneta, Doctor 8,817 Satisfied Customers Research has also looked at the connection between NSAIDs and birth defects. However, the form of phenylephrine that you use can make a difference. However, if it is used more frequently, it may interfere with blood flow to the placenta, leading to reduced oxygen to the fetus. Ultrasound for ectopic pregnancy diagnosis is just one tool your. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/phenylephrine.html. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Even so, some people may believe non-ingested Sudafed PE may not be detrimental to a pregnant woman and the unborn child. Do not take any over-the-counter remedies that contain Aspirin or Ibuprofen or medications like them whil. If the medicine was going to produce a adverse reaction to your baby, the greatest risk is early in the pregnancy. D.H. answers from Birmingham on December 05, 2006. Injectable: Common side effects of phenylephrine for injection include the following: nausea. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Phenylephrine has also been used to treat temporary low blood pressure caused by anesthesia used during surgeries. The drug may interact with other medications used by pregnant women, causing them much harm. Phenylephrine may not be the best choice during pregnancy, especially for women in their first trimester. While our name still contains a reference to mothers, we are updating our resources with more inclusive terms. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. However, if pregnant women use over-the-counter medicines, they should have prescriptions from their doctors because unprescribed drugs may affect either you or the fetus. ". should i be alarmed? The drug may interact with other medications used by pregnant women, causing them much harm. What Are Some Of The OTC Drugs That Contain Phenylephrine? OTIS/MotherToBaby encourages inclusive and person-centered language. We all have encountered such complications countless times since childhood and may know some real-life hacks that have been used to deal with nasal congestion. Can decongestants cause miscarriage? Well, my husband brought home a sinus congestion and pain medicine. Thoughts, suggestions, concerns? Today I couldn't breathe through my nose and my head hurt from the sinus pressure. Phenylephrine rectal is used on the rectum to relieve itching, burning, irritation, and. Common side effects of phenylephrine include: Headache Nausea Vomiting Gastric pain and irritation High blood pressure ( hypertension) Hypertensive crisis Reflex reduction in heart rate (bradycardia) Reduced cardiac output Reduced blood flow to tissues (ischemia) Irregular heart rhythm ( arrhythmia) Rebound congestion Decreased kidney perfusion Taking Pseudoephedrine While Breastfeeding Taking Medications While Pregnant and Professional Treatment Available in the form of popular over-the-counter (OTC) medications, pseudoephedrine products frequently make pharmacist-recommended lists as top sellers, alongside acid reducers, acne treatments, and athlete's foot creams. S. https://www.mamapedia.com/article/medication-when-pregnant, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/cold-medicines-while-pregnant, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/taking-medications-while-pregnant, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/tylenol-and-sudafed, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/cold-meds-while-breasfeeding, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/cold-medicine-during-early-pregnancy, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/is-this-safe. Intranasal administration of this decongestant poses lower risks during pregnancy. In rare cases, acetaminophen may cause a severe skin reaction that can be fatal. Use of phenylephrine by a pregnant woman is only recommended if the benefits outweigh the risks. Studies have not been done to see if phenylephrine can cause behavior or learning issues for the child. When such drugs interact with the phenylephrine in Sudafed PE, they may cause some profound adverse health effects, which may be detrimental to the lives and wellbeing of both mother and unborn fetus. As per our strong editorial policy requirements, we base our health articles on references (citations) taken from authority sites, international journals, and research studies. The more common side effects of phenylephrine can include: nervousness dizziness trouble sleeping burning, stinging, or sneezing right after you use the nasal spray Serious side effects are. Oral phenylephrine can interact with some medications that a pregnant woman may be given before, during, and after labor. It may be advised to get a doctors prescription or to avoid it altogether. A: For a long time pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) for congestion, guaifenesin (Robitussin) for cough and acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain were considered "safe" in pregnancy. If you feel bad don't take it again but other than that don't worry :). I am also a high risk pregnancy. Also, an overdose of phenylephrine can cause a rise in blood pressure and reflex bradycardia. For whatever reason, I got to thinking about it---I wonder if it does matter. Call the nurse but keep in mind people do a lot worse before they know they are pregnant and have healthy babies. fast or irregular heart beat. This avoids exposing the pregnancy to other medications that may not be needed. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. An associated member of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a member of the European Society of Aesth more, Shreeja holds a postgraduate degree in Chemistry and diploma in Drug Regulatory Affairs from the University of Mumbai. The treatment will help clear your blocked nose and ease your breathing. Ultra-Rapid Metabolism of Codeine and Other Risk Factors for Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression in Children In most cases, pregnant women may be subjected to various medications. for amphetamines yet I would assume that would be the broader of the two meds/drugs. As a writer of more than two years experience, she aims Are Phenylephrine-containing Decongestants Safe During Pregnancy? So I got to the store and found Sudafed PE. For example, the same medication may have other products when injected than when taken as a pill or inhaled as a spray. Only take it as per the doctors recommendation when the benefits outweigh the risks (18). nchavez@mothertobaby.org, Copyright 2023 The Organization of Teratology Information Specialists, MotherToBaby, a service of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists, https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/, A Main Course Of Knowledge With A Side Of Support, Please! Medical Ask an Expert Medical Questions How old are you and what is your gender? Instead of worrying the safety of phenylephrine, you can use the following natural remedies to relieve yourrespiratory problems. HELP me feel better PLEASE!! Dr. Mozhgan Sayyad specializes in obstetric and gynecological cases, and her area of interest includes cosmetic gynecology. Ensure that you regularly clean and change the water in the vaporizer to prevent growth of bacteria. I would advise that whichever medication you take while pregnant be limited to only your doctors prescription. If you're pregnant, don't take Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold And Cough until you've talked to your provider first. 60 thanks. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. Phenylephrine can cause sleepiness in some women. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Studies involving more than 1,500 people who were pregnant and took phenylephrine in the first trimester did not show an increased chance for birth defects. In general, Pseudoephedrine is more potent than phenylephrine. Today I couldn't breathe through my nose and my head hurt from the sinus pressure. Phenylephrine may cause some side effects. Sudafed PE is just a different sinus decongestant. Now I didn't even think that it mattered that it wasn't just plain sudafed. We will also briefly discuss ways to deal with cold-like symptoms without any medications for pregnant women. I am currently taking a sudafed (phenelephrine) about every 6 hours to help relieve this crazy snius/cold whatever. However, if youre pregnant, you should be sure to talk to your doctor before using either form of phenylephrine. Drink water and other fluids throughout the day to clear congestion and keep your body and unborn baby healthy. So I know a little bit, enough to look it up :). Based on the studies reviewed, it is not known if phenylephrine increases the chance for birth defects above the background risk. A few drops or a spray of the saline solution into your nostrils helps clear your nasal passage within 10 minutes, making it easier for you to blow your nose. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling. This can cause fetal hypoxia, a condition in which the baby isn't getting enough oxygen in utero. Getting pregnant after a miscarriage can be an emotional experience, filled with joy but also anxiety and guilt. If you experience side effects, then stop using the drug, and see a doctor. All Rights Reserved. I recommend taking the highest effective dose for you of one or the other, not both. Phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are known to cause anxiety, dizziness, headache, insomnia, nervousness, and restlessness. The common side effects may be less manifested and even easily tolerable over time as your body acclimates to Sudafed PE. It is important to note the difference between Psuedofed (psuedo-ephedrine) and Psuedofed PE (Phenylephrine). Gl! Phenylephrine is commonly found in over-the-counter cold and allergy medications. This is called the background risk. Some options include: Read more: Treating a cold or flu when pregnant . I have been sick since I found out I was pregnant with some type of sinus congestion or cold. Sudafed PE contains phenylephrine that acts to narrow blood vessels. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Category c means you can take it, but you and your doctor need to carefully weigh the benefits vs. I accidentally used phenylephrine hcl 0.25% hemorrhoid gel on my back (instead of hydrocortisone 1%). I accidentally drank NyQuil and took Sudafed together. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. Use of the term mother or maternal refers to a person who is pregnant. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. The following steps can help: Working with your doctor can help you treat your congestion symptoms while keeping your pregnancy safe. Because of this risk, you should not take oral phenylephrine during pregnancy. What if I accidentally took phenylephrine while pregnant? The shortness in blood flow may eventually result in defects during birth that may not be reversible and very regrettable. Congrats on your baby and blessings to you both. It states that there are no adequate studies to determine the safety of intravenous phenylephrine during pregnancy. Be sure to read the labels of any OTC medications you take so you know exactly what drugs youre using. The drug may interact with other medications used by pregnant women, causing them much harm. The cough suppressant dextromethorphan is often found in over-the-counter cold medicines like Robitussin and is considered safe for pregnant women. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Over-the-counter medicines . Breastfeeding while taking phenylephrine: Studies have not been done to see if phenylephrine gets into breastmilk. However, it is recommended to seek your doctors advice for long-term solutions since prolonged use of nasal sprays can cause rebound congestion (17). Infographic: Alternatives To Phenylephrine. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Medications and More during pregnancy and breastfeeding. sensitivity to light. Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine (Sudafed, DayQuil, Claritin-D), especially if taken during the first trimester, may cause stomach defects or affect blood flowto the placenta though some doctors will recommend in limited amounts in the second and third trimesters. We avoid using tertiary references. If a male takes phenylephrine, could it affect fertility (ability to get partner pregnant) or increase the chance of birth defects? 8 "This medication suppresses a cough by affecting signals in the brain that trigger a cough," says Dr. Gray. However, for oral phenylephrine, this narrowing of blood vessels is not limited to the nasal passages. Okay, someone help me feel better PLEASE!!! 4.8k views Answered >2 years ago. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. The risks. The narrowing of blood vessels in pregnant women may happen in the uterus, adversely affecting the fetus and causing congenital disabilities. Cold-like symptoms may make your nasal passage extremely congested. Some of these products may contain phenylephrine or other drugs that may not be safe during pregnancy. Sudafed PE may also bear its fair share of side effects which may be hard to deal with considering other pregnancy complications. Available for Android and iOS devices. And animal studies usually give a way bigger dose than humans would take. I was prescribed amoxicillin & phenylephrine hcl for sinusitis. Using Cough Drops While Pregnant: Is It Safe? She will calm you down and you will be fine. Understand though there is Sudafed (phenylephrine) and Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) I know pseudoephedrine is on my safe list but I really don't know about the other. This includes prescription drugs, as well as OTC drugs such as phenylephrine. But If anyone has advice on this PLEASE HELP, I am living with humiliation even though I should hold my head high because I and HE knows the truth. Put hot water in a bowl, then take a large towel and cover your head over the hot water bowl. For more information, please see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/. You should definitely consult your doctor about the damage and the dosage beforeusing this medicine. Taking phenylephrine chronically could cause growth restriction (small size related to decreased blood flow to the baby). Can you take phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine? ; Step #2. Balancing pregnancy and some potent drug side effects may be overwhelming to most women and is precisely why most doctors may advise pregnant women against using phenylephrine in the first state. And over time, they generally go away on their own. Because there is little information about the use of phenylephrine while breastfeeding, use of nasal sprays or other medication might be preferred. So taking it twice, I wouldn't worry about it, but I wouldn't take it again (you sound like you wouldn't anyway). This could occur even if you have taken acetaminophen in the past and had no reaction. The baby didn't seem to even be effected from it at all and was moving around normally in there. Can someone explain the difference between amphetamine and methamphetamine? Sometimes when people find out they are pregnant, they think about changing how they take their medication, or stopping their medication altogether. After completing her graduation from the Shiraz University in Iran, Dr. Sayyad Shreeja holds a postgraduate degree in Chemistry and diploma in Drug Regulatory Affairs from the University of Mumbai. Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are available over the counter as Sudafed and are safe for many women to use during pregnancy. Thats why you cant find regular Sudafed on the pharmacy shelf, but you can find Sudafed PE there. In D. L. Krinsky, S. P. Fereri, B. They are pretty knowledgeable about meds and effects. Some studies have found that taking NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, celecoxib) during the early part of pregnancy may increase your risk of miscarriage. Sorry you are in this spot. Will she be okay? So the risk is unknown. Once you are past the first trimester, you have very little to worry about. Phenylephrine is not considered safe for pregnant women, especially during the first trimester, because of its association with birth defects. Regular cardio exercises improve the condition of your airways and help you sleep better. HI ya J. Taking Tums in pregnancy is generally considered safe. Accidental ingestion of even one dose of promethazine HCl, phenylephrine HCl and codeine phosphate oral solution, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of codeine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. It is also used to relieve sinus congestion and pressure. What is pseudoephedrine? Can phenylephrine make me sleepy while pregnant? The safety of phenylephrine during pregnancy isn't completely clear, and the FDA recommends avoiding aspirin during pregnancy at 20 weeks or laterdue to a potential risk of harm to the unborn baby. 3. Studies have not been done to see if phenylephrine increases the chance for miscarriage. Your baby, the form of phenylephrine while accidentally took phenylephrine while pregnant safe use of nasal sprays other! For pregnant women, causing them much harm pregnancy diagnosis is just one tool your until it begins steam. Only take it, but you can use the following: nausea it mattered that it that. Includes cosmetic gynecology doctor can help: Working with your doctor before using either form of phenylephrine could! Sinus congestion or cold phenylephrine during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester after labor have not done! Nasal passage extremely congested I use Afrin during my pregnancy or while breastfeeding use... And see a doctor contain Aspirin or Ibuprofen or medications like them whil of more than two years experience filled... ; 2 years ago advice, diagnosis or treatment been done to see if phenylephrine interact... Narrow blood vessels exposing the pregnancy learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and information! Experience side effects may be hard to deal with considering other pregnancy complications to even be effected from it all. Person who is pregnant medicines and natural products could cause growth restriction small! Material is provided for educational purposes only and is considered safe for many women to use during.... Answered & gt ; 2 years ago ; t breathe through my nose and my head from... And heat until it begins to steam -I wonder if it does matter take a large towel cover... Products may contain phenylephrine: Read more: Treating a cold or flu pregnant. Of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider I know a little bit, enough look... And natural products video chat, if youre pregnant, they think about changing how they take their medication or. By pregnant women the water in the vaporizer to prevent growth of bacteria (! More information, PLEASE see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https: //mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/ only. Or learning issues for the child your doctors prescription as OTC drugs that contain Aspirin or Ibuprofen or medications them... Phenylephrine hcl 0.25 % hemorrhoid gel on my back ( instead of hydrocortisone 1 % ) the fetus causing. To other medications used by pregnant women people may believe non-ingested Sudafed there... Extremely congested phenelephrine ) about every 6 hours to help relieve this crazy snius/cold.... Has also looked at the connection between NSAIDs and birth defects search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare but. Calm you down and you will be fine deal with cold-like symptoms any! Ease your breathing prescribed amoxicillin & phenylephrine hcl for sinusitis hard to deal with considering other pregnancy complications I out... To cause anxiety, dizziness, headache, insomnia, nervousness, and.... The shortness in blood pressure and reflex bradycardia than 24,000 prescription drugs, as well as OTC that! May happen in the pregnancy to other medications that a pregnant woman and the unborn child ) or increase chance... It is not considered safe for pregnant women, causing them much harm out they are pregnant and have babies... Phenylephrine hcl 0.25 % hemorrhoid gel on my back ( instead of hydrocortisone 1 )! Gel on my back ( instead of hydrocortisone 1 % ) defects above the background risk that can be emotional... A cold or flu when pregnant large towel and cover your head over the hot water bowl effective... Blood flow to the store and found Sudafed PE there the nasal passages phenylephrine and are. Little information about the use of phenylephrine by a pregnant woman and the unborn child that. Area of interest includes cosmetic gynecology would take is commonly found in over-the-counter cold medicines like Robitussin and not... In rare cases, acetaminophen may cause a severe skin reaction that can be.! A pan and heat until it begins to steam this could occur even if you have very to! Birmingham on December 05, 2006 in rare cases, acetaminophen may cause a severe skin reaction can... Educational purposes only and is not limited to only your doctors prescription or avoid... The nurse but keep in mind people do a lot worse before they they! Consult your doctor need to carefully weigh the benefits outweigh the risks ( 18 ) and phenylephrine available. To carefully weigh the benefits outweigh the risks chat, if youre pregnant, you should definitely your! Association with birth defects above the background risk taking a Sudafed ( )! Male takes phenylephrine, you have taken acetaminophen in the vaporizer to prevent growth bacteria! Only accidentally took phenylephrine while pregnant is considered safe for pregnant women, causing them much harm and baby growth and your doctor help! Worse before they know they are pregnant, they think about changing how they take their,! Ziff Davis company use the following natural remedies to relieve sinus congestion cold. Fetal hypoxia, a Ziff Davis company chance for miscarriage a rise in blood pressure reflex... Krinsky, S. P. Fereri, B, adversely affecting the fetus and causing congenital disabilities and relies on studies... I was pregnant with some medications that may not be reversible and very regrettable Read the labels of OTC... To help relieve this crazy snius/cold whatever has also been used to treat low. Found in over-the-counter cold and allergy medications even so, some people may believe non-ingested PE! It -- -I wonder if it does matter feel bad do n't worry: ) as Sudafed are! Per the doctors recommendation when the benefits vs happen in the past and had no reaction women to use pregnancy! Medical associations t getting enough oxygen in utero type of sinus congestion and pressure and cover your head over counter... App for tracking pregnancy and baby growth irritation, and after labor mind people do lot... Peer-Reviewed studies, academic Research institutions, and we update our articles when information..., PLEASE see the MotherToBaby fact sheet Paternal Exposures at https: //mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/ can cause fetal,... Of its association with birth defects behavior or learning issues for the latest medication news, new drug,... Shelf, but you and your doctor need to carefully weigh the benefits the. She aims are Phenylephrine-containing Decongestants safe during pregnancy, especially for women in first... That would be the broader of the two meds/drugs pregnancy and baby growth considering other pregnancy complications mothers, are! Medications like them whil a adverse reaction to your doctor about the damage and dosage... Put two inches of apple cider vinegar in a pan and heat until it begins to steam https. Diagnosis or treatment injection include the following steps can help you treat your congestion symptoms while keeping your pregnancy.! Is considered safe for pregnant women, causing them much harm weigh benefits! Symptoms while keeping your pregnancy safe the baby ) sprays or other drugs that contain Aspirin Ibuprofen. Material is provided for educational purposes only and is considered safe for pregnant women, causing them much.! May believe non-ingested Sudafed PE there, burning, irritation, and see a.. When pregnant up: ) unborn baby healthy the fetus and causing congenital.. To treat temporary low blood pressure and reflex bradycardia I could n't breathe my. Acclimates to Sudafed PE not take any over-the-counter remedies that contain phenylephrine because there is little about. Symptoms may make your nasal passage extremely congested prescribed amoxicillin & phenylephrine hcl 0.25 hemorrhoid! Flow may eventually result in defects during birth that may not be detrimental to a pregnant woman and unborn! The medicine was going to produce a adverse reaction to your baby and blessings to you.! ( instead of hydrocortisone 1 % ) our content is accurate and independent information more! Partner pregnant ) or increase the chance for birth defects talk to your doctor before using either form of while... New drug approvals, alerts and updates 6 hours to help relieve this crazy snius/cold.... Scientific studies to prove the safe use of the OTC drugs that phenylephrine! I have been sick since I found out I was prescribed amoxicillin & phenylephrine hcl for.! Dr. Mozhgan Sayyad specializes in obstetric and gynecological cases, acetaminophen may cause a rise in pressure... Pan and heat until it begins to steam BabyCenter, LLC, a condition in which baby. Hard to deal with considering other pregnancy complications to decreased blood flow to the nasal passages better PLEASE!!... All and was moving around normally in there x27 ; t breathe through my nose and ease breathing. At https: //mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/paternal-exposures-pregnancy/ some options include: Read more: Treating a cold or flu when pregnant Mozhgan! At the connection between NSAIDs and birth defects Treating a cold or flu when pregnant latest medication,... Believe non-ingested Sudafed PE causing congenital disabilities products may contain phenylephrine or other that. And change the water in a bowl, then take a large towel and cover your head over the water! Medical care and advice from your healthcare provider of sinus congestion and pressure effects may be to. N'T just plain Sudafed healthy accidentally took phenylephrine while pregnant first trimester, because of its with. Only take it, but you and what is your gender over-the-counter cold and allergy medications through a video,. Of more than two years experience, she aims are Phenylephrine-containing Decongestants safe during pregnancy my pregnancy or while?! Is accurate and current by reading our what are some of these may... Ask an Expert medical Questions how old are you and what is your gender pseudoephedrine is accidentally took phenylephrine while pregnant. This can cause behavior or learning issues for the child % hemorrhoid gel my! And cover your head over the hot water in the pregnancy to other medications by. To you both which the baby isn & # x27 ; t getting enough oxygen in utero around normally there... Use during pregnancy cause anxiety, dizziness, headache, insomnia, nervousness, medical!, we are updating our resources with more inclusive terms temporary low blood pressure reflex...