DayQuil is a medication used to relieve symptoms of the common cold and flu, such as a cough, sore throat, headache, minor aches and pains, fever, nasal and sinus congestion, and sneezing.
For most people, taking DayQuil is no big deal. But if you’re pregnant, you may be wondering if it’s safe to take. Some DayQuil medications are safe for pregnant women to use, while others are not.
Learn more about how these drugs can affect a pregnancy, and which DayQuil medications are safe to take during pregnancy in this guide.
Is DayQuil Safe to Ingest During Pregnancy?
There are many active ingredients in DayQuil that are commonly found in other over-the-counter cold and flu medications. However, there are other ingredients in DayQuil that may not be safe for use during pregnancy.
Let’s examine different types of DayQuil, their ingredients, and their safety during pregnancy.
Acetaminophen is the main ingredient in many common pain and fever relievers, including Tylenol. It’s safe to take during pregnancy when you’re feeling symptoms and is generally considered a safe drug.
However, it is important to avoid taking too much acetaminophen, as this could lead to liver damage or other harmful effects for both you and your pregnancy.
If you have liver problems, taking acetaminophen may be harmful. During pregnancy, liver enzymes are more active, so it’s important to take into account how this may affect how your body processes.
2) Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan is found in many common OTC cold and flu medications, including DayQuil. It’s one of the most common ingredients in cough and cold medicines.
Dextromethorphan, or DXM, is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding as it’s not toxic to the baby and has no major side effects.
3) Phenylephrine
Phenylephrine is another active ingredient that is commonly found in OTC medications. It’s found in many decongestants, including Sudafed and DayQuil.
It’s considered relatively safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding and has few side effects. The main concern is the risk of high blood pressure and increased heart rate. If you have a history of high blood pressure, it’s important to discuss with your doctor if it’s safe for you to take DayQuil.
What Is DayQuil?
DayQuil is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to relieve symptoms of the common cold and flu, such as a cough, sore throat, headache, minor aches and pains, fever, nasal and sinus congestion, and sneezing.
It’s safe to take during pregnancy and when breastfeeding, but only when you’re feeling symptoms – not as a preventive treatment.
Possible Side Effects of DayQuil on Pregnancy
There are very few side effects that have been noted from taking DayQuil during pregnancy.
1) Acetaminophen Side Effects
If you take too much acetaminophen, it can lead to liver damage. This can happen when taking too many at one time, or if you take a lot over a long period of time.
It’s important to avoid taking too much acetaminophen during pregnancy, as it can lead to premature birth or low birth weight. Taking too much acetaminophen can also cause damage to your liver.
If you’re unsure of whether you’re taking too much acetaminophen, speak with your doctor.
2) Phenylephrine Side Effects
There are very few side effects of phenylephrine. However, it may cause some side effects associated with a rapid rise in heart rate.
If you have a history of high blood pressure or heart disease, it’s important to speak with your doctor about taking DayQuil during your pregnancy.
3) Dextromethorphan Side Effects
There are very few side effects associated with taking DayQuil that contains DXM during pregnancy.
Taking too much DXM also increases your risk of nervousness, dizziness and lightheadedness. It can also cause added nausea.
What to Do When You Get a Cold While Pregnant
A cold during pregnancy can be miserable, particularly if you have a sinus infection or have to deal with post-nasal drip.
Keep in mind that there’s nothing you can do to prevent a cold from developing during pregnancy. However, there are some things you can do to treat the symptoms.
1) Don’t Forget to Eat
When you’re sick, it’s easy to forget to eat. However, it’s important to take care of yourself while sick, especially during pregnancy.
You should make sure to eat a nutritious diet, as well as drink plenty of water and other fluids.
2) Do Light to Moderate Activity
While lying around won’t make your symptoms any better, jumping right back into your regular routine can be just as bad.
It’s best to do light to moderate activity to stay comfortable and avoid unnecessary stress on your body.
3) Get Some Rest
When you’re sick, it’s easy to think that you should be doing everything possible to get better. If you’re feeling run down, it’s best to just go to bed and get some much-needed rest.
Getting rest during pregnancy is important for both you and your baby.
4) Eat Food Rich in Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a key ingredient to fighting off a cold. It’s a powerful antioxidant that helps to boost your immune system to fight off a cold and flu.
Many foods that are rich in Vitamin C help to boost the body’s immune system. Vitamin C can be found in many fruits and vegetables, including orange juice and broccoli.
5) Gargle with Warm Salt Water
A sore throat is one of the most common symptoms of a cold. Gargling with warm salt water can help to relieve a sore throat. The warmth will help to make your throat feel better. Be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Symptoms of Cold During Pregnancy
Many pregnant women get a cold during their pregnancy. But the symptoms they experience are different from the symptoms of the common cold. This is why it is important to know the difference.
1) Cough
Colds are usually caused by viruses, so they do not lead to a cough. Cough is a symptom of asthma or upper respiratory inflammation. Usually, a cough during your pregnancy will be short and dry (not accompanied by excess mucus)
2) Runny Nose
This is one of the most common symptoms of a cold. It’s usually yellow or clear and not accompanied by a fever. But during pregnancy, a runny nose can become more productive (more mucus) and nasal congestion can get worse.
3) Sore Throat
A sore throat is one of the most common symptoms of a cold, but it can also be aggravated by other factors (such as excessive talking, smoking, or drinking alcohol). A sore throat during pregnancy may be accompanied by a fever and difficulty swallowing.
4) Post-Nasal Drip
Post-nasal drip is one of the most common symptoms of a cold. But during pregnancy, this symptom may accompany a fever, difficulty swallowing, and runny nose.
How to Distinguish a Cold vs. Flu
Colds and flu can cause similar symptoms, but flu symptoms are more severe. While a cold usually lasts only a few days, the flu can last for several weeks.
It’s easy to mistake a cold for the flu, so if you have a cold, it’s important to see a physician to confirm that you are not suffering from the flu.
Here are some common symptoms that you may have a flu:
- Fever
- Body Aches
- Chills
- Headaches
Conclusion
While pregnant, you may at some point get a cold. While the sickness itself can be miserable, it’s important to speak with your doctor before taking over-the-counter medications while pregnant.
Source:https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/meds/treatingfortwo/facts.html