Question about cold medications

[hillarywhitney]

I have a cold. It's not horrible yet. But I've started coughing and that's making me all kinds of gaggy. So that's no fun. I called my dr.s office and the nurse suggested Robitussin and anything tylenol based. Dh got me Robitussin and Tyelnol Cold  Multi-Symptom. 

Of course I had to google them. And I'm reading conflicting things online. The Robitussin has Guaifenesin, and some sites are saying that it's potentially not safe. The Tylenol Cold has Phenylephrine and that seems to be listed as not ok on most sites. 

Dh says he trusts the drs. office more than the internet. And he is right. But I'm a nervous nelly. 

I'm thinking I'll stick with the Robitussin for now since that has what seems to be the least offensive ingredient. 

But wanted some feedback from you guys. If you've had a cold, what did you take? 

[hillarywhitney]

Dec 18, 2013 18:08:55 GMT -5 MNH2013 said:

The list of OK meds my Dr gave me says Robitussin or Mucinex D. It also says to call right away if meds do not help.

Does it say what kind of Robitussin? The one dh got is Maximum Strength, Cough + Chest Congestion DM. He said it was the most basic one they had. 

[hillarywhitney]

I'm pretty sure I'm going to take at least one dose. My coughs tend to get really bad. So I want to stay on top of it before it's worse. I'm just so nervous to do the "wrong" thing. Ah!

[hillarywhitney]

Dec 18, 2013 18:12:06 GMT -5 MNH2013 said:

It doesn't say which kind. I would think yours is fine. Most meds the Dr told me to just be careful of fast acting things.

Thanks. 

I need to get a list of meds. that are ok at my next appointment. 

If I weren't afraid this cough would become worse I'd avoid meds all together. 

[smock]

My list says robitussin and robitussin dm are fine, if that helps!

[humpforfree]

My list also says all types of Thera-flu.

[Birdie]

I've been under the impression that phenylephrine is bad (worse than sudafed) but my doc is the "everything in moderation is ok" type. I wouldn't take it long term but if it helps taking it a day or two I don't think it will hurt baby.

How far along are you?

[Birdie]

Sorry if your ticker says, I'm on my iPad

[carawestt]

I always look the Tylenol Cold Multi Symptom and it helped a lot.

[Birdie]

Taking any class C meds a few times here or there during pregnancy isn't going to hurt baby ( in my non-medical opinion). It's taking those meds long term over the whole pregnancy that they can't guarantee anything. Then it comes down to risk vs. benefit.

I'm currently on two class C meds I take daily prescribed by my doc. He has ok'd the occasional exceeding, etc too for my bad headaches. I just don't take it every day.

[Birdie]

*excedrin

[purplecow0206]

I have a cold and have been doing the following:
- Claritin during the day
- Benadryl at night
- humidifier while sleeping
- hot showers to clear out my sinuses

Both of the allergy medications are on my doctor's list of approved medicines. I also have Robitussin on my list, but this was what I already had on hand.

[formerlyak]

When I had a bad cold last month the ob told me Robitussin DM and Tylenol Cold were what I should take.

[mellimel19]

I was told I could take plain Robitussin. My OB told me to stay away from any of the multi-symptom stuff.

[picksthemusic]

If you really want to stay away from all meds, you can do some home remedies. Hot water with lemon and honey to calm your cough and soothe your throat, steam showers to open your airways, saline nasal rinses (though that may up your gag factor), saline nasal spray to help liquefy your nasal congestion. Sleeping sitting up so your sinuses drain... I'm sorry you're sick and hope you feel better soon!

[hillarywhitney]

Dec 18, 2013 19:28:40 GMT -5 Birdie said:

I've been under the impression that phenylephrine is bad (worse than sudafed) but my doc is the "everything in moderation is ok" type. I wouldn't take it long term but if it helps taking it a day or two I don't think it will hurt baby.

How far along are you?

8w5d today. So far I've just taken a few doses of the robutussin. My cough isn't bad at all, so I'm probably going to avoid taking any more medication. 

I see the dr. on Monday, so I'll definitely ask her for more info. about safe medications. 

And thank you everyone for all the feedback. I really appreciate it I think I may be getting better ::fingers crossed:: 

[Wonderwall]

Dec 18, 2013 21:02:03 GMT -5 jjwritergirl said:

Tylenol cold is specifically on the no list my doctor gave me, but their list seems way more cautionary than other lists I've read on neighboring practice websites. I'm more of the everything in moderation kind of person, but since you're so early I understand the heightened concern (since I've been overly cautious too).

I hope you feel better soon!

Really?! This seems to be one of the fee things that seems universally allowed. Wow.


That does seem way more cautionary.