Mucinex While Pregnant: Is It Safe To Take It?

Have you experienced a flu or a cold and thought about whether or not using mucinex during pregnancy? If you did, it`s best to stay well informed because the 9 months of pregnancy represent a period in which you need to be careful at everything that can affect your organism.

About Mucinex

Mucinex contains guaifenesin, an active ingredient which is expectorant. This medication helps you loosen chest congestion and throat, making it easier to cough through your mouth. Mucinex is used to temporary relieve cough caused by cold, bronchitis and other breathing diseases. This medication won`t work for cough caused by smoking or other long term breathing problems, such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema.

This medication should be taken orally every 12 hours, with or without eating in advance, or prescribed by your doctor. The dose is based on your medical condition and on the response to the treatment. The increase of the dose or its frequency cannot be changed without the doctor`s permission.

Side Effects

Usually, mucinex can lead to dizziness or headache, a rash, nausea, vomiting or stomach problems. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, get in touch with a doctor.

Usually, this medication is well tolerated and doesn`t cause severe side effects, but in case you notice any of the following symptoms, you need to receive medical care immediately: rash, itching, breathing difficulties, swelling of lips, tongue, face or hives.

Mucinex When You Are Pregnant: Is it Safe?

Taking this medication during pregnancy should be avoided especially during the first trimester because it can lead to some risk regarding the development of the fetus. It isn`t safe to take mucinex during pregnancy without getting in touch with a doctor regarding possible risks or complications.

A normal dosage isn`t recommended for pregnant women. If you want to avoid possible side effects, it`s best to talk to your doctor and follow his advices about dosage directions.

There`s a study that was performed by the Collaborative Perinatal Project on 197 expecting mothers who took guaifenesin during the first trimester of pregnancy and didn`t show any risks of birth defects. However, 14 babies were born with congenital abnormalities.

There was some case control researchB which has shown a possible connection between this medication and babies being born with inguinal hernias or neural tube defects.

On a different case study performed on 229,100 subjects, 141 pregnant women who took guaifenesin during their first trimester and 349 women took this medication later during their pregnancy. There were 9 birth defects that occurred, including 2 cases of babies with cardiovascular abnormalities resulted from mothers who took this drug during their first trimester of pregnancy.

Mucinex while Breastfeeding

There isn`t enough studies made on the usage of mucinex during breastfeeding. Small dosages took from time to time are believe to be safe and won`t lead to any birth effects on babies, especially if this medication isn`t taken during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, it`s advisable to take into consideration any possible benefits or risks before deciding to take mucinex while breastfeeding (more info!). Experts advice to avoid any products that include guaifenesin with a high content of alcohol, like for example some specific cough syrups.

Precautions

Before using mucinex you need to get in touch with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, if you are allergic to other medications or if you have any kind of other allergies. Talk with your doctor if you use other medications or if you experience any of the following medical conditions: emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, breathing issues caused by smoking, cough with blood or a large amount of mucus.

Because mucinex can lead to dizziness or drowsiness, you shouldn`t drive until you feel you can perform this activity safely.

Overall Conclusion

So, taking mucinex while pregnant and breastfeeding, or taking any drug that will involve taking guaifenesin while pregnant isn`t recommended without first contacting a doctor. Anything you take during pregnancy which may show any possible risks for the baby should be avoided completely.