Medications to Avoid While Pregnant

To be safe, always talk to your OB (obstetrician) before taking a new over-the-counter medication or supplement.  Some can increase the risk of harm to your baby or pregnancy complications.

Cough and cold medications

• Avoid: pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, especially in the first trimester
• Instead try: acetaminophen (Tylenol), dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, or guaifenesin

Laxatives

• Avoid: mineral oil or stimulant laxatives
• Instead try: psyllium, lactulose, polyethylene glycol, magnesium hydroxide, or docusate

Diarrhea medications

• Avoid: bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
• Instead try: loperamide (use only for a short time)

Sleep aids

• Avoid: high doses of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for long periods (it's OK to use occasionally or for a short time)
• Instead try: doxylamine

High-dose vitamin supplements

• Avoid: large amounts of certain vitamins.  Some, like vitamin A, can cause birth defects.
• Only take prenatal vitamins recommended by your doctor.

Some pain killers

• Avoid: ibuprofen and naproxen (Aleve)
• Instead try: acetaminophen (Tylenol) or low-dose aspirin (less than 162 mg a day)

Herbal supplements and teas

• Ask your pregnancy provider before taking or drinking these.

Many prescription medications are unsafe to take during pregnancy, due to the risk of birth defects, pregnancy complications, or loss.

Tell your OB about every medication you take.  Do not start taking any medications without first confirming they're safe.

Make sure you discuss stopping the following:

• GLP1 medications (Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, Trulicity, etc.), used to treat diabetes or promote weight loss
  
• Accutane (isotretinoin) for acne
  
• ACE inhibitors (lisinopril, ramipril, etc.), used to treat high blood pressure
  
• Spironolactone, often used to treat acne or high blood pressure
  
• Statins for cholesterol
  
• Methotrexate for autoimmune diseases
  
• Warfarin (Coumadin), a blood thinner

If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, double-check that it's safe to take during pregnancy (some are not).

Some antidepressants are also unsafe for pregnancy.  Talk to your doctor about the best option.

The first step always is talking to your doctor to make sure a medication is safe to take.

If you can't get an immediate answer or are waiting to hear back from your OB:

• Call the Infant Risk Center at 1-806-352-2519 during regular business hours (M-F, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. CST).
  
• Or download the MommyMeds app for a small fee and look up medications on your own.

Even if you use one of the above, please also speak to your health care providers about your questions and before starting any new medication or supplement.