Is guaifenesin OK to take while pregnant?

Two major cough medication ingredients—dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant) and guaifenesin (an expectorant, which means it loosens up thick mucus)—both appear to be safe during pregnancy, although both have been tested in relatively few studies.

Is it safe to take expectorant while pregnant?

Expectorants like Mucinex, cough suppressants like Robitussin, vapor rubs like Vicks VapoRub, and cough drops are all considered safe during pregnancy.

Can guaifenesin cause birth defects?

Does taking guaifenesin increase the chance of birth defects? Every pregnancy starts out with a 3-5% chance of having a birth defect. This is called the background risk. Most studies suggest that guaifenesin is not associated with an increased risk of birth defects over background risk.

How do I break up mucus in my chest while pregnant?

What You Can Do at Home

1. Drink lots of fluids. Drink plenty of water and other fluids, but not things that can dehydrate you, such as coffee and alcohol.
2. Humidify. Try a cool mist humidifier or hop into a steamy shower to keep your airways moisturized.
3. Don’t smoke or vape anything.
4. Try a teaspoon of honey.

Can I take Mucinex night time while pregnant?

During the second and third trimester, they say that Mucinex can generally be considered safe, but for pregnant women to use it only when they feel it’s absolutely necessary.

How do I get rid of mucus cough while pregnant?

saline nasal drops and sprays to loosen nasal mucus and soothe inflamed nasal tissue. breathing warm, humid air to help loosen congestion; a facial steamer, hot-mist vaporizer, or even a hot shower can work. chicken soup , to help relieve inflammation and soothe congestion.

Is it safe to take guaifenesin during pregnancy?

Guaifenesin has been assigned to pregnancy category C. by the FDA. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Guaifenesin is only recommend for use during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk. There are no data on the excretion of guaifenesin into human milk.

Is it safe to take an expectorant during pregnancy?

The expectorant dextromethorphan is safe for use during pregnancy, according to the AAFP. Coughing can be a symptom of a wide variety of illnesses from mild to serious. Your cough could be due to a cold or the flu. Other causes include asthma and allergies, congestive heart failure, pulmonary embolism, tuberculosis and lung cancer.

How much guaifenesin can you take in 24 hours?

Guaifenesin is another medication frequently found in cough medications, such as Mucinex. It is an expectorant, so it helps thin mucus from your chest or throat so you can cough it up easier. It comes in immediate-release or extended-release formulations. The maximum dose you should take is 2,400 mg in 24 hours.

Is there a link between guaifenesin and birth defects?

These data do not support an association between guaifenesin and birth defects. (written communication, Franz Rosa, MD, Food and Drug Administration, 1994) Guaifenesin has been assigned to pregnancy category C. by the FDA. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.