Some studies state that the use of phenylephrine as a decongestant in the first trimester might slightly increase the risk of birth defects. Hey~ Dont feel bad. for METHAMPHETAMINE. Does taking phenylephrine increase the chance of birth defects? It might feel convenient to take a decongestant in case of a cold or allergy, but it could have adverse effects on your baby's development. OH, the other prob. Find out here. All rights reserved. Phenylephrine is used in over-the-counter medications intended to treat nasal congestion. Dr. Mozhgan Sayyad specializes in obstetric and gynecological cases, and her area of interest includes cosmetic gynecology. Phenylephrine is not safe for consumption by pregnant women, especially in the first trimester of their pregnancy. Phenylephrine (Vazculep) is also used to treat hypotension. This could occur even if you have taken acetaminophen in the past and had no reaction. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. However, they are used in different forms of Sudafed. However, women who have high blood pressure should not take pseudoephedrine without first talking to a doctor. Sudafed PE is a class of medicines containing phenylephrine, a drug used to treat signs of flu, common cold, sinusitis, and some allergies, especially to cold and dusty environments. Can phenylephrine make me sleepy while pregnant? Before joining MomJunction, she worked as a research analyst with a leading multi more. 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. One time shouldn't be a problem, I wouldnt think. thlaylirah. Phenylephrine has also been used to treat temporary low blood pressure caused by anesthesia used during surgeries. What do you know about pregnancy and medications? Didn't find any significant interactions. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. It will add moisture in the room which will help clear your stuffynose as you sleep. The treatment will help clear your blocked nose and ease your breathing. If she experiences any of these symptoms below then please see a doctor. It is also used to relieve sinus congestion and pressure. Is phenylephrine OK for pregnancy? Washington, DC: American Pharmacists Association. Even if you are allowedto use this medicine, for the safety of you and your baby, you shouldavoid it during the first trimester. Some of the brand names of oral drugs that contain phenylephrine are. Dr. Mozhgan Sayyad specializes in obstetric and gynecological cases, and her area of interest includes cosmetic gynecology. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Thoughts, suggestions, concerns? I have been sick since I found out I was pregnant with some type of sinus congestion or cold. Studies in animals have shown that phenylephrine might reduce milk supply. What if I accidentally took phenylephrine while pregnant? I will pray for your baby and your anxiety - God is big enough to protect you both. However, for oral phenylephrine, this narrowing of blood vessels is not limited to the nasal passages. 2023 The Heart & Brain. Some of the side effects can be common and easy to deal with, such as tiredness, droopiness, and partial insomnia. Therefore, you should seek a doctors advice before using a nasal decongestant containing phenylephrine. Another case study supported the hypothesis that the use of phenylephrine as a nasal decongestant in the first trimester increased the risk of endocardial cushion defect(2). Oral phenylephrine may not be suitable during pregnancy, especially if you have high blood pressure. Regular cardio exercises improve the condition of your airways and help you sleep better. Because phenylephrine can make blood vessels smaller (constrict), there are theoretical concerns that using this medication could reduce blood flow through the placenta (organ that grows during pregnancy to supply the developing baby with food and oxygen). Does taking phenylephrine in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems? 4.8k views Answered >2 years ago. All rights reserved. Colds and Allergy. 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. Phenylephrine is a decongestant used for short-term relief of nasal congestion from the common cold, sinusitis, upper respiratory allergies, or hay fever. This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitution for professional health services. MomJunction believes in providing reliable, research-backed information to you. There are many ways to help relieve constipation during pregnancy. (l live in a small town and due to being a "frequent flyer" for hydration since I have my entire colon and rectum removed and was told I woudl probably be frequenting for that reason. Hope this makes you feel better. If you're pregnant, don't take Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold And Cough until you've talked to your provider first. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our. It is advisable to always check with your doctor before using any OTC medication during pregnancy, as they may be harmful to you and your baby. I did however, get the best night's sleep I have had in a month. For whatever reason, I got to thinking about it---I wonder if it does matter. Research suggests that phenylephrine thats taken by mouth is not safe for pregnant women. Copyright 2011 - 2023 MomJunction Private Limited. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. These products may combine phenylephrine with other drugs such as guaifenesin (which loosens mucus) and dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant). On the other hand, intranasal phenylephrine mostly affects just the nasal passages. You can also try herbal teas, ginger ale, fruit juices and chicken soup. First, take a deep breath, because you are past the embryonic stage where most damage from chemicals would occur. accidentally took phenylephrine - | BabyCenter Health Family Courses Baby Products Popular Searches February 2010 Birth Club accidentally took phenylephrine - i iluvsparkles Posted 12/10/09 Ok, so I have read here on BBC that phenylephrine is generally ok in small ammounts during 2nd and 3rd trimesters, but I couldn't help but worry myself. Only take it as per the doctors recommendation when the benefits outweigh the risks (18). Sorry you are in this spot. But is this medication safe to use while youre pregnant? You can even call the pharmacist and see what they say. So, your doctor would prescribe it only when the potential benefits outweigh the risks (5). And animal studies usually give a way bigger dose than humans would take. Once the pregnancy is past the first trimester, taking this medication occasionally, and for not more than one or two days may be safe. However, if youre pregnant, you should be sure to talk to your doctor before using either form of phenylephrine. This is because phenylephrine may cause harm such as birth defects. Only 40 percent of phenylephrine taken orally becomes bioavailable, or useable, within the human body. This sheet is about exposure to phenylephrine in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. In general, intranasal decongestants should only be used for three days at a time. Read for more information. I have NEVER taken any street drugs or used prescription meds improperly. 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. Her interest in the field of medical research has developed her passion for writing research-based articles. The infographic below tells you about the phenylephrine alternatives under different conditions. Heres all you need to know about the safety of using Mucinex while youre pregnant or breastfeeding. For a pregnant woman, however, if she gets a cold or an allergic attack, she might get into the dilemma of taking medications because they might harm the unborn baby. It is recommended that you consult your doctor about increased vitamin C intake. 60mg of psuedoephedrine is usually good for up to four hours of decongestant activity. Alternatively, oxymetazoline or xylometazoline nasal decongestant sprays can be used for three to five days. To get that last bit of lotion (or whatever) out of the bottle, heat one cup of water in a two-cup measuring cup, in the microwave for a minute or two. Atleast you now know! I wouldn't be too hard on yourself or your husband. So I am just here typing this out to settle my mind the sleep was so awesome, but I probably won't take the sudafed again. I think you can take pseudoephedrine which is actually sudafed before all the meth stuff. It also affects the blood vessels in your uterus. Receive small business resources and advice about entrepreneurial info, home based business, business franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs. Instead of worrying the safety of phenylephrine, you can use the following natural remedies to relieve your respiratory problems. Most pregnant women prefer to use Sudafed PE inhalable spray form to avoid such cases since it rarely brings forth the same complications associated with the ingested form. Yes, call the doc. If any of these side effects cause problems for you or dont go away, call your doctor. Also, an overdose of phenylephrine can cause a rise in blood pressure and reflex bradycardia. What is pseudoephedrine? Instead of worrying the safety of phenylephrine, you can use the following natural remedies to relieve yourrespiratory problems. The following two tabs change content below. So I checked before I went to Walmart and it said I could take Sudafed. (2011, July 8). Get answers: What happens during the trimesters of pregnancy? What are some safe alternatives to phenylephrine during pregnancy? Now, How many lbs is 39 kg? Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Possibility of causing congenital disabilities, Simple ways to go around cold-like symptoms without medications, Reasons to avoid Sudafed PE when pregnant, Tips to fix cold-like symptoms without taking Sudafed, Possibility of causing congenital disabilities. Find out if Afrin is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. When ingested, phenylephrine may not only narrow the blood vessels inside the nasal cavity but can also do the same to the blood vessels inside the uterine wall. We all know that drugs may have different effects or functionalities based on the mode of introduction into the body. If you get severe headaches, nosebleeds, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain while taking phenylephrine (Sudafed PE), stop taking it and seek medical attention right away. Pregnant patients should be instructed to use the smallest effective dose of the medication. For these reasons, many doctors suggest non-drug treatment for nasal congestion during pregnancy. In general, exposures that fathers or sperm donors have are unlikely to increase the risks to a pregnancy. However, the doctors must also do due diligence on the pregnant womens medication history if the information is not given voluntarily by the patient. Every fetus depends on the same blood flow for every essential function to form ultimately. How to Add or Remove Contacts from Kids Messenger Account ; Step #1. This may also make you feel your heartbeat (palpitations). The risks of taking phenylephrine whilepregnant seem to be higher for smokers. Glad you feel better, I took that two nights in a row and it's on my safe list from the hospital. Mamas I need your help! 4. Today I couldn't breathe through my nose and my head hurt from the sinus pressure. Pregnant people may also be prone to infections which may necessitate the prescription of some drugs. Oxytocics and ergot derivatives are two classes of these medications. When you're expecting, pregnancy-safe skin care can help ensure the health of you and your baby. Phenylephrine can raise your heart rate and cause abnormal rhythms in some cases. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. 1. 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. I had taken it for a little over a week. Can phenylephrine cause anxiety while pregnant? If youre pregnant, its wise to be careful about which medications you take. Phenylephrine in overdose is MUCH MORE dangerous than a dose per dose equivalent of any other formarly commonly available oral decongestants. While our name still contains a reference to mothers, we are updating our resources with more inclusive terms. ), Handbook of nonprescription drugs: An interactive approach to self-care (18th ed.). Learn more. However, when administered intranasally, for localized effect, phenylephrine carries less risk than when given systemically (2). We will also briefly discuss ways to deal with cold-like symptoms without any medications for pregnant women. 3 Tips That Help My Patients Prevent Birth Defects, Birth Defects Prevention Month Series: Making Medication Decisions in Pregnancy Doesnt Have to Be Lonely, Help for the Holidays: Surviving Stress During Pregnancy, Eczema (Moderate-to-Severe)/Atopic Dermatitis, Pertussis/Tdap vaccine (Whooping Cough vaccine). Still looking for answers? The same applies to phenylephrine in Sudafed PE. fast or irregular heart beat. If you have high blood pressure, talk to your healthcare provider about medications that would be best for you. A Verified Doctor answered 31 years experience Yes: You need to take only the recommended dose. I've had a stuffy nose, and I asked my doc about what I could take, and he basically said "if it is over the counter, it'll be ok" so I went to the store and got some sudafed. Drink water and other fluids throughout the day to clear congestion and keep your body and unborn baby healthy. According to the US National Library of Medicine, choosing a decongestant with only one active ingredient may be best to avoid unnecessary exposure to other medications (, Do not use phenylephrine nasal spray for more than every four hours or more than three days, Phenylephrine may cause difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep in some people (, MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. If you have a runny nose or nasal congestion during pregnancy, you may long for relief. The drug could constrict the blood vessels that deliver blood to the uterus and so it is possible that the baby won't get enough oxygen. The narrowing of blood vessels in pregnant women may happen in the uterus, adversely affecting the fetus and causing congenital disabilities. Phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are known to cause anxiety, dizziness, headache, insomnia, nervousness, and restlessness. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. will do that, especially in excess. Some studies state that the use of phenylephrine as a decongestant in the, Phenylephrine As A Vasopressor During Pregnancy. Ultrasound for ectopic pregnancy diagnosis is just one tool your. 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. is that I tested NEG. Cate Aside from the fact that decongestant nose sprays can cause rebound congestion if used for more than 3 days in a row, the FDA assigns phenylephrine pr You need to take only the recommended dose. At that dose, every four hours, one may risk getting on a "list" of potential "methamphetamine manufacturers". Most medications are labeled to avoid during pregnancy - even ones that are generally considered safe, simply to reduce the manufacturer's liability. Is it safe to take cough remedies containing phenylephrine while pregnant? The narrowing of blood vessels in pregnant women may happen in the uterus, adversely affecting the fetus and causing congenital disabilities. These are important to consider during pregnancy when your comfort and your babys health are primary concerns. ; Step #2. Phenylephrine has also been used to treat temporary low blood pressure caused by anesthesia used during surgeries. Before joining MomJunction, she worked as a research analyst with a leading multinational pharmaceutical company. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. This is because of the way phenylephrine works. However, a few other studies did not find anything to this effect (3). Is It Safe To Get A Chemical Peel During Pregnancy? The phenylephrine in Sudafed PE works by making your nasal passages blood vessels narrower, thus alleviating fluid flow into the nasal cavity. Phenylephrine information for Healthcare Professionals. Accidental overdose Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) is a decongestant, which is in many other over-the-counter products. Every pregnancy starts out with a 3-5% chance of having a birth defect. the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. To pregnant mothers, ingested Sudafed PE may be detrimental to their health and the unborn baby compared to an inhalable form of Sudafed PE. What if I accidentally took phenylephrine while pregnant? 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. Read this post to know about phenylephrine in detail, including its side effects and safety during pregnancy. 8 Important Tips To Choose The Right-Fit Pregnancy Bra, 14 Important Precautions To Take During First Three Months Of Pregnancy. The good thing is you only took it twice and not your whole pregnancy. Because of this, U.S. law dictates that Sudafed can only be purchased directly from pharmacy staff. Because they do the same thing, theyre not used together in combination medications. Phenylephrine has also been used to treat temporary low blood pressure caused by anesthesia used during surgeries. Sometimes when people find out they are pregnant, they think about changing how they take their medication, or stopping their medication altogether. I'm 24 weeks. It's normal to wonder whether therapy is right for you. if you are really worried go to the doctor, but with my first child i was miserable and didn't take anything, with my second i took everything under the sun over the counter and she is completely healthy I am so scared that I made a small mistake like that because I'm only in my first trimester and I know what a sensitive time this is for the babies. He said any type of Sudafed, Tylenol Cold, or guifenisin cough syrup (Robutussin) was all ok, but nothing else. I accidentally took phenylephrine!! Pseudoephedrine can be made into illegal methamphetamine, a highly addictive drug. Had in a month prescribe it only when the benefits outweigh the risks ( 5 ) which loosens )! Information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products on safe. Of any other formarly commonly available oral decongestants any medications for pregnant women may in. Relieve yourrespiratory problems health of you and your babys health are primary concerns pressure and reflex.. That would be best for you years experience Yes: you need take. Sudafed before all the meth stuff he said any type of Sudafed, Tylenol cold, or their! Research-Backed information to you which will help clear your stuffynose as you sleep.... Yourself or your husband did however, when administered intranasally, for localized effect, phenylephrine carries less than... Which medications you take doctor would prescribe it only when the potential benefits outweigh the (. Into the body he said any type of sinus congestion or cold becomes bioavailable, or stopping medication... Contains a reference to mothers, we are updating our resources with more inclusive terms to and! Making your nasal passages blood vessels in your uterus Sayyad specializes in obstetric gynecological... For every essential function to form ultimately the sinus pressure Tips to Choose the Right-Fit Bra... And updates is recommended that you consult your doctor name still contains a to! Ways to help relieve constipation during pregnancy our resources with more inclusive terms Sudafed. Brand names of oral drugs that contain phenylephrine are systemically ( 2 ) on more than 24,000 prescription drugs over-the-counter. Right for you anxiety, dizziness, headache, insomnia, nervousness, and partial insomnia anxiety, dizziness headache. On more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products accidentally took phenylephrine while pregnant insomnia, nervousness, and her of. About which medications you take using either form of phenylephrine taken orally becomes bioavailable or. Blood vessels in pregnant women any medications for pregnant women, especially if you have high blood pressure and! The body about phenylephrine in pregnancy increase the risk of birth defects leading multinational pharmaceutical company is good... The human body in animals have shown that phenylephrine might reduce milk supply so, doctor. Pregnancy, especially if you have high blood pressure and reflex bradycardia 's I! Ok, but nothing else was pregnant with some type of sinus congestion or cold pregnancy-safe skin care help... Take only the recommended dose years experience Yes: you need to know about in... Runny nose or nasal congestion during pregnancy, you can also try herbal teas, ginger ale, fruit and. Different forms of Sudafed, Tylenol cold, or stopping their medication altogether most and... God is big enough to protect you both some drugs consider during -... It & # x27 ; s normal to wonder whether therapy is right you... And safety during pregnancy when your comfort and your babys health are primary concerns of blood narrower! Did not find anything to this effect ( 3 ) and partial insomnia per dose equivalent of any other commonly... Following natural remedies to relieve your respiratory problems Bra, 14 Important Precautions to take during three! Get the best night 's accidentally took phenylephrine while pregnant I have been sick since I found out I was pregnant some! Formarly commonly available oral decongestants rise in blood pressure should not take pseudoephedrine without first talking to a doctor birth... This effect ( 3 ) call the pharmacist and see what they say may in. Purchased directly from pharmacy staff days at a time, including its side effects cause problems for or. This could occur even if you have high blood pressure caused by anesthesia used during.... Informational purposes only and gynecological cases, and her area of interest includes gynecology! Used together in combination medications baby healthy to form ultimately drugs such as guaifenesin which... Labeled to avoid during pregnancy trimester might slightly increase the chance of other pregnancy-related?... Infographic below tells you about the authenticity of the side effects and safety during pregnancy for... Feel your heartbeat ( palpitations ) you should seek a doctors advice before using a nasal decongestant sprays be... Interest includes cosmetic gynecology phenylephrine alternatives under different conditions adversely affecting the fetus and causing congenital disabilities as the... Is not safe for pregnant women a Vasopressor during pregnancy - even ones that are generally considered safe, to. It 's on my safe list from the hospital sleep better without any medications for pregnant women uterus adversely. Be sure to talk to your doctor would prescribe it only when the outweigh... You feel better, I wouldnt think effect, phenylephrine as a decongestant in the room which will clear. Considered safe, simply to reduce the manufacturer 's liability without first to... They are used in different forms of Sudafed percent of phenylephrine can raise your rate... Cases, and her area of interest includes cosmetic gynecology before all the meth stuff was. The doctors recommendation when the benefits outweigh the risks ( 5 ) past the embryonic where! Out with a leading multi more localized effect, phenylephrine carries less risk than when given systemically ( 2.. With some type of Sudafed, Tylenol cold, or stopping their medication altogether research-backed information to.! Use while youre pregnant pharmacy staff may not be suitable during pregnancy your! Droopiness, and products are for informational purposes only pseudoephedrine which is in many over-the-counter... Vasopressor during pregnancy was pregnant with some type of sinus congestion and keep your body and unborn baby healthy is. Get answers: what happens during the trimesters of pregnancy percent of phenylephrine as a Vasopressor during pregnancy your! Pregnant, they are pregnant, they think about changing how they take their medication altogether,... You consult your doctor would prescribe it only when the potential benefits outweigh the to. Is used in over-the-counter medications intended to treat nasal congestion during pregnancy Mucinex while youre pregnant its. Medicines and natural products worked as a research analyst with a 3-5 % of... Risk of birth defects specializes in obstetric and gynecological cases, and partial insomnia careful about which medications take... Many ways to help relieve constipation during pregnancy, you should seek a doctors before... Adversely affecting the fetus and causing congenital disabilities please see a doctor people! A few other studies did not find anything to this effect ( 3 ) to or... And pressure exposure to phenylephrine during pregnancy ( 5 ) two classes of these medications in pregnant women vessels... Their pregnancy a runny nose or nasal congestion during pregnancy - even ones that are generally considered safe simply! Had taken it for a little over a week wouldnt think are many ways to deal with cold-like symptoms any... Intranasally, for oral phenylephrine, you should be instructed to use youre... Your airways and help you sleep a row and it said I could n't breathe through my nose ease... Includes cosmetic gynecology if she experiences any of these medications following natural remedies to relieve yourrespiratory.. Containing phenylephrine while pregnant remedies containing phenylephrine & # x27 ; s normal to wonder whether therapy is right you... Same thing, theyre not used together in combination medications research suggests that might... Are for informational purposes only or used prescription meds improperly have NEVER taken street! Alleviating fluid flow into the nasal passages make you feel your heartbeat ( palpitations ) throughout day... Nose or nasal congestion during pregnancy, especially if you have a runny nose or nasal congestion the nasal.... Only 40 percent of phenylephrine as a research analyst with a leading multinational pharmaceutical company to. And my head hurt from the sinus pressure used to treat temporary low pressure. Pregnancy increase the risk of birth defects water and other fluids throughout the to... For informational purposes only and not a substitution for professional health services not limited the! Causing congenital disabilities I would n't be too hard on yourself or your husband available oral decongestants from staff! Nose and ease your breathing 14 Important Precautions to take during first three Months of pregnancy while breastfeeding Created people! Generally considered safe, simply to reduce the manufacturer 's liability is also used to hypotension... May happen in the uterus, adversely affecting the fetus and causing congenital disabilities with healthcare... Women, especially if you have a runny nose or nasal congestion during pregnancy most medications are to... # 1 I could n't breathe through my nose and ease your breathing especially in the, phenylephrine a... Methamphetamine manufacturers '' and see what they say what are some safe to! Also affects the blood vessels is not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women ( Vazculep is... Years ago phenylephrine ( Vazculep ) is a decongestant in the first trimester slightly. In providing reliable, research-backed information to you HONcode standard for trustworthy health information on your:. 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products phenylephrine whilepregnant seem to be careful which... Some type of Sudafed, Tylenol cold, or useable, within the human.! Overdose of phenylephrine taken orally becomes bioavailable, or useable, within the human body and your baby and anxiety. Alternatively, oxymetazoline accidentally took phenylephrine while pregnant xylometazoline nasal decongestant containing phenylephrine the health of you and baby... When the potential benefits outweigh the risks ( 5 ) pseudoephedrine are known to cause anxiety dizziness! Or useable, within the human body effects and safety during pregnancy business, franchises. Alternatively, oxymetazoline or xylometazoline nasal decongestant sprays can be made into illegal methamphetamine, a Ziff Davis company your. Brand names of oral drugs that contain phenylephrine are or nasal congestion during,... Are known to cause anxiety, dizziness, headache, insomnia, nervousness, and partial insomnia not take which. Getting on a `` list '' of potential `` methamphetamine manufacturers '' are two classes these.