Safe Over The Counter Medications
| Aliment | OTC Drug |
|---|---|
| Allergy symptoms | Sudafed®, Benadryl®, saline nasal sprays |
| Constipation | Colace®, Citracal®, mineral oil |
| Cough | Robitussin®(DMtype), lozenges without licorice |
| Diarrhea | Imodium®, Kaopectate® |
| Headache | Tylenol® is the drug of choice |
| Hemorrhoids | Tucs®, Preparation H®, Anusol® |
| Gastric Reflux | Tums ( up to 6 tablets daily) Antacids such as Mylanta® or Maalox®, Pepcid or Zantac as directed |
| Itching or skin rash | Topical steroids such as hydrocortisone cream .5-1%, oral Benadryl® |
| Vaginal yeast | Monistat®, Gynelotrimin® |
- Avoid overtreatment with these OTC medications, as diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which is unhealthy for prospective mother and fetus.
- The amount of alcohol in most cough preparations is negligible. Cough drops should not contain licorice. Limited use of codeine is recommended for the treatment of retractable coughs.
Medications to Avoid
| Aliment | Medication | Safe Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Acne | Accutane, Retin A, Doxycycline | Clindamycin, Erythromycin |
| High Blood Pressure | ACE Inhibitor: Captopril, Lisinopril | Hydralazine, Metoprolol |
| Blood Clots | Coumadin | Heparin, Lovenox |
| Seizures | Dilantin, Valproic, Acid | Tegretol |
| Migraine Headache | Imitrex | Tylenol, Fiorcet |
| Hirsutism, PMS | Spironoloactone | TBD |
| Infections | Ciprofloxacin, Tetracycline | Keflex, Macrobid, Clindamycin, Penicillin |
| Reduced Libido | Testosterone | None |
| Manic Depression | Lithium | Tegretol |
| Anxiety/Depression | Paxil, Mao Inhibitors | Prozac, Zoloft |