Is dextromethorphan safe to take during pregnancy?

Understanding Dextromethorphan and Its Safety During Pregnancy
As the cold and flu season approaches, many expectant mothers may find themselves wondering about the safety of over-the-counter medications, particularly dextromethorphan, a common cough suppressant. The question of whether it is safe to take during pregnancy is one that requires careful consideration of both the available research and expert recommendations.
What is Dextromethorphan?
Dextromethorphan (often abbreviated as DM) is an active ingredient found in many over-the-counter cough and cold medications. It works by suppressing the cough reflex, making it a popular choice for those suffering from persistent coughs due to colds or allergies. While it is generally regarded as effective, its safety profile during pregnancy has been a topic of discussion among healthcare professionals.
Safety Profile During Pregnancy
According to recent findings, dextromethorphan is considered relatively safe for use during pregnancy. It is classified as a Category C medication, which means that while animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. This classification suggests that the benefits of using the medication may outweigh potential risks, particularly when used as directed.
Research indicates that there is no significant evidence linking dextromethorphan to birth defects or other adverse outcomes in pregnancy. A controlled study noted that there was no increase in malformations among those who used the medication during pregnancy. However, experts recommend that pregnant women shouldDextromethorphan and Pregnancy
Dextromethorphan is generally considered safe to take during pregnancy, according to the available evidence.
The key points are:
1. Low Molecular Weight: Dextromethorphan has a low molecular weight, which means it can likely pass into breast milk. However, maternal use of dextromethorphan products that do not contain alcohol is probably safe during breastfeeding.
2. Controlled Study Findings: A controlled study on the safety of dextromethorphan in pregnancy found no increase in malformations above the expected rate. This has led to the widely accepted view that dextromethorphan is probably safe to use during pregnancy.
3. Recommended Dosage: The maximum recommended dose of dextromethorphan for pregnant women is 120 mg in 24 hours. Combination cold medications that contain dextromethorphan often have “DM” in their name.
4. Comparison to Codeine: Dextromethorphan is considered equipotent to codeine as a cough suppressant and is classified as a pregnancy Category C medication, similar to guaifenesin.
5. Avoid Combination Medications: During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is suggested to avoid combination medications that contain multiple ingredients, when possible. Dextromethorphan is often found in these types of multi-symptom cold, cough, and flu medications. ,
In summary, the available evidence suggests that dextromethorphan is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy, as long as the recommended dosage is not exceeded and combination medications are avoided when possible.

Which anti cough is safest in pregnancy?

Some doctors suggest trying to wait until after your 12th week to minimize any potential risks to your baby. Safe options include: plain cough syrup, such as Vicks. dextromethorphan (Robitussin; category C) and dextromethorphan-guaifenesin (Robitussin DM; category C) cough syrups.

How can a pregnant woman treat a cough?

Cough

1. To help eliminate secretions, drink plenty of water.
2. Dextromethorphan syrup (e.g. Benylin DM) can be used to relieve a dry cough.
3. Most cough drops (e.g. Halls) are safe in pregnancy.
4. Consult your family doctor if: Your cough persists beyond seven (7) days.
5. Avoid preparations containing pseudoephedrine.

Can I take dextromethorphan while pregnant?

Dextromethorphan (DXM)is an over-the-counter cough suppressant. If you are wondering if you can take dextromethorphan while pregnant, it is considered relatively safe. Recent research has indicated that pregnant women do not have to worry about taking dextromethorphan during their pregnancy.

Which cough and cold syrup is safe in pregnancy?

Certain cold medications are considered safe for most people during pregnancy. They include dextromethorphan (Delsym, Robitussin) for cough and antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine for a runny nose. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is also generally considered safe, as are most steroid nasal sprays.

What is the safest cold medicine while pregnant?

Pregnancy-Safe Cold & Flu Medication

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Safe during the entire pregnancy. Take only as needed.
• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) Safe in the second and third trimester.
• Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) Safe during pregnancy.
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Safe throughout pregnancy.

Can I take Robitussin DM while pregnant?

There are some medications that are safe to take while you are pregnant. Robitussin DM (guaifenesin + dextromethorphan), 2 teaspoons every 4 hours. Cough drops also may be used.

What medications should be avoided during pregnancy?

Some medications are dangerous to take during pregnancy. They can cause birth defects or raise your risk of miscarriage. These include retinoids, warfarin, and certain blood pressure medications. NSAIDs, certain antibiotics, and benzodiazepines can also harm a growing baby.

How do I treat a cough in pregnancy?

Cough

1. To help eliminate secretions, drink plenty of water.
2. Dextromethorphan syrup (e.g. Benylin DM) can be used to relieve a dry cough.
3. Most cough drops (e.g. Halls) are safe in pregnancy.
4. Consult your family doctor if: Your cough persists beyond seven (7) days.
5. Avoid preparations containing pseudoephedrine.

Which cough suppressant is safe during pregnancy?

Dextromethorphan (DM) is a cough suppressant commonly found in OTC cold medications. There are a number of human studies on the use of DM during pregnancy that did not find an association between this drug and an increased risk of birth defects.

Who Cannot take dextromethorphan?

Before taking dextromethorphan,
tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the following medications or have stopped taking them within the past two weeks: monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate).