Earlier I asked about taking Alka Seltzer while pregnant.. I looked online, and it said not to because it contains asprin and that is bad when pregnant, however I was just looking at the box, and the main ingredients in this are Acetaminophen, which is Tylenol, and I know that is safe, the other main ing. are Chlorpheniramine, and Phenylephrine. Does anyone know what those are???? Are they safe to take when pregnant???? Any Ideas??? Thanks!!!
2006-12-10 18:34:41 · 11 answers · asked by Mommy of 2 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I guess I should add, that I don't have heartburn...... I have a severe head cold..... and I can't breathe out of my nose, which is driving me insane!!!!!
2006-12-10 19:01:03 · update #1
I just looked in the baby book that I have laying around the house...It's called "Your baby's first year: week by week" and basically all the things you cant take when pregnant are the same as the things you cant take when nursing. The book gives a list of examples of things that are ok, and if the name is something like Acetminophen it will give the name brand....and Alka-seltzer isnt on there, so I would say not to take it, and there are plenty of drugs that say not to take when pregnant that your doctor tells you its ok....tylenol even says not to take while nursing or pregnant....i was also just on the alka-seltzer website and it said to consult a doctor first
2006-12-10 18:48:44 · answer #1 · answered by gabbi_gurl_2003 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. Chlorpheniramine blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in your body.Chlorpheniramine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Phenylephrine is a decongestant. It works by constricting (shrinking) blood vessels (veins and arteries). Constriction of blood vessels in the sinuses, nose, and chest allows drainage of these areas, which decreases congestion. Constriction of blood vessels also affects blood pressure.Phenylephrine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
But I checked and Alka Seltzer Original contains aspirin, sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. Also it had the following warning:
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
This medicine should be avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy, as it may affect the growth and development of the foetus or have harmful effects on foetal tissues. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine during any stage of pregnancy.
So I think you should just avoid it all together. Take tylenol and get some rest. Whatever problem you are having will run its course but you should avoid meds as much as possible while pregnant. Your body will take care of itself but if it gets worse you have an infection then talk to your OB about it.
2006-12-10 18:56:54 · answer #2 · answered by Mom_of_two 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Listen just take the medicine. As long as you don't take it for a week you will be fine. when i was pregnant i have a condtion in which i had to take valium the entire time i was pregnant and my son was healthy and he has no problems.
Valium is a whole lot worse than alka seltzer so i wouldnt worry, go ahead and take it already.
2006-12-10 19:15:29 · answer #3 · answered by Gabriella & Kevin 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Phenylephrine is a decongestant and may reduce the blood flow to your uterus, cutting off nutrients and oxygen to the baby.
Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine and is considered "low risk" during pregnancy and will make you drowsy... what "low risk" exactly means, I don't know but I wouldn't suggest using Alka Seltzer... just my personal opinion. Go0d Luck! :o)
2006-12-10 18:41:07 · answer #4 · answered by ღ♥ Katie ♥ღ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
alka seltzer makes a chewable called alka-mints they ore safe & also a good source of calcium i took them when i was pregnant
2006-12-10 18:41:29 · answer #5 · answered by Tammy F 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't remember what the doc said about meds, but I do remember I used to take Tums and Mylanta for my daily heartburn and the OBGYN said those were fine.
2006-12-10 18:45:43 · answer #6 · answered by mybootyisthatbig79 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doctor would know better... in the meantime you can take Tums
2006-12-10 18:39:20 · answer #7 · answered by mimemamomu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best thing is to talk to your doctor befor taking anything.... if you can't reach the doctor now call a doctor that is on call
2006-12-10 18:38:57 · answer #8 · answered by Harley Mama 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
~Take something you CAN take that's safe besides that. Check on www.webmd.com to make sure, but I don't think it's safe either.~
2006-12-10 18:40:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My OB has it on is list of do not take what so evers.
2006-12-10 18:37:37 · answer #10 · answered by notAminiVANmama 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋