Pregnancy is a sensitive state as stressed several times on this platform. Given its sensitivity, you have to make the right decisions. This is especially while the baby is in the womb and even shortly after birth. One of the cautious actions boils down to you knowing what you can, and cannot take while pregnant.
For example, you should not take energy drinks while pregnant because of some of their unsafe ingredients that can put the health of the baby and expectant moms on the line. Against this backdrop, you will also get to learn if you can take Nyquil during pregnancy. In the best interest of expectant moms and the baby in their womb, it would help if you read till the end of this article.
What Is Nyquil?
Nyquil is any of three medications that people take to get relief from symptoms that come with cold and/or flu. Some of the common symptoms in question include:
- Irregularities with the functioning of the nose – This is often with sinus and nasal congestion
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Fever
- Sneezing
- Minor aches & pain
- Headache
- Difficulty sleeping (especially during the nighttime)
Some of these cold and flu symptoms are more common and noticeable than others. However, they are all possibilities, regardless. The three kinds of Nyquil medicines available are those for:
- Cough
- Cold and Flu
- Severe Cold and Flu
The names of these medications are self-explanatory to a large extent. For example, because of the potent effects of one of its major additions – phenylephrine HCl; NyQuil Severe Cold and Flu is best suited for treating people who are sick and showing symptoms of sinus and nasal congestion & pressure.
Is Nyquil Safe During Pregnancy?
Its safety for pregnant ladies is determined by – the type & form of Nyquil medication, the time it is taken, the dosage, and the health condition of the pregnant woman. These factors are what determine if this medicine is safe for use while a woman is pregnant.
Speaking of the type and form of Nyquil medication used, all Nyquil products in liquid form should be used with caution. This is if women are to even take them while pregnant. The major reason for this is that alcohol is a passive ingredient used in making Nyquil products in liquid form.
Considering how no amount of alcohol is deemed safe enough for consumption during pregnancy, Nyquil products in liquid form should be used with caution. For starters, this means that pregnant people should take them only when prescribed by a pertinent doctor.
Besides this, the kind meant to provide relief for severe colds and flu should be avoided as much as possible during pregnancy. This is because of one of the active ingredients used in making this Nyquil medication – phenylephrine HCl.
Although effective for the treatment of sinus and nasal congestion & pressure, it can pose adverse effects, especially for the baby in the womb. These adverse effects can increase the risk of the baby having birth defects. This is especially when pregnant women take medications containing this ingredient in their first trimester.
So, try as much as you can not to use medications containing phenylephrine HCl in your first trimester. And you should have a serious talk with your doctor before using any medicine that contains this ingredient.
Besides NyQuil Severe Cold and Flu medication, other Nyquil products can be considered safe for use during pregnancy. However, the right dose has to be taken as their ingredients are not free of side effects.
Let’s take acetaminophen for instance. Acetaminophen is an active ingredient in NyQuil for severe cold and flu, as well as the kind for mild Cold and Flu. Although it offers relief for those with symptoms such as headache, fever, sore throat, and minor aches & pain; it can pose some serious health threats when more than the ideal dose is used. Some of these serious health threats include:
- Trouble swallowing and breathing
- Liver damage
- Swollen throat, face, eyes, lips, lower legs, feet, ankles, hands, or tongue
- Hoarseness
- Rash
- Itching
- Hives
- Red, blistering, or peeling skin
Similarly, dextromethorphan HBr; which is used in making all Nyquil medications, is safe during pregnancy. This is as long as the right amount is used. Some of the possible adverse effects that can be experienced when this is not adhered to include:
- Drowsiness
- Restlessness
- Nervousness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Stomach trouble
- Severe Rash
In light of this, even Nyquil medications that are considered safe during pregnancy should be used with caution. The same rule applies to antacids that women can take while pregnant.
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