Effects of Tylenol Cold & Cough While Pregnant
Tylenol Cold & Cough, which is now labeled as Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom, is an over-the-counter medication designed for use by adults and children over the age of 12. The daytime and nighttime formulas come in rapid release gelcaps, caplets and liquid form. If you're pregnant, it's important to understand the risks certain medicines pose. Always read labels, and ask your doctor if you're unsure.
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What it Does
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Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom provides temporary relief for many common symptoms of the cold or flu. The medicine can alleviate minor aches and pains, headaches, sore throat, cough, sinus congestion and pressure and nasal congestion. It also loosens mucus and thins out bronchial secretions, which makes coughing more productive.
Ingredients
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The active ingredients in Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom are acetaminophen (325 mg), dextromethorphan HBr (10 mg) and phenylephrine HCI (5 mg). Amounts are based upon a single dosage.
Acetaminophen is approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics for use during pregnancy. Dextromethorphan, however, has shown adverse effects and toxicity on fetuses during scientific studies, and there is a lack of adequate and well-controlled studies on pregnant women. Therefore, it should not be taken unless the benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the fetus. Phenyleprhine is a short-acting ingredient that is generally considered safe for pregnant and nursing women. -
Potential Risks
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The FDA categorizes the risks drugs pose to fetuses. Classifications run from "A" (safest) to "X" (known danger--do not use). Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom is comprised of three primary ingredients, one of which--Dextromethorphan--has been categorized as a "C." There are no specific studies outlining the exact effects on a fetus, but the possibility for fetal distress, birth defects and adverse health effects are always a possibility.
Is it Safe to Take While Pregnant?
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While two of the three primary ingredients in Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom are safe to take while pregnant, the third is classified as a "C" by the Federal Drug Administration. This means that adverse effects have been revealed to occur as a result of taking this medication, and/or there are no controlled studies available.
Unless you are under a doctor's care, it would be best if to forgo Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom.
Alternatives
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Look for medications that are more specific with what they treat. By selecting symptom-specific medications instead, you lower the risk of ingesting individual ingredients that could prove harmful to your baby.
Instead, try sore throat sprays or lozenges for a sore throat, nasal sprays for congestion and stuffiness and acetaminophen for headaches and body aches.
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