NyQuil is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication commonly used to relieve sore throat, cough, sneezing, headache, minor pains, aches, fever, and runny nose. While the medicine is usually safe, you might want to know if using NyQuil while pregnant is safe. It is a common concern that several mothers may have as taking medications during pregnancy affects not only you but your baby. Read this post as we tell you about the safety of NyQuil during pregnancy, its effects on the mother and the baby, and alternatives that you may consider.
Can You Take NyQuil During Pregnancy?
Some forms of NyQuil are safe to use while some are not. The alcohol content in NyQuil Liquid has about 10% alcohol, and it is not advisable to take; NyQuil LiquiCaps and Alcohol-free NyQuil Cold & Flu Nighttime Relief Liquid can be taken (1). But before going for any over-the-counter medications, try some simple and safe measures at home for relief. If the cold does not subside within a week or if you are experiencing high fever or any such severe symptoms, then consult your doctor and take the prescribed medication.
NyQuil And Its Ingredients
NyQuil is available in three types–NyQuil Cold and Flu, NyQuil Severe Cold and Flu, and NyQuil Cough. Each of these contains a combination of active and inactive ingredients. The below table gives you the details of the ingredients in each type. Avoid NyQuil Severe Cold And Flu, and the liquid forms containing alcohol during pregnancy (6). In the next section, we tell you about the positive and negative effects of each ingredient on pregnancy.
Effects Of NyQuil Ingredients During Pregnancy
The ingredients of NyQuil might have varied effects on pregnant women and their babies. This table tells you how each ingredient works and the likely side-effects it could have during pregnancy.
What Are The Alternatives To NyQuil?
If you want to avoid NyQuil or any other cold and flu medications, you may try some simple measures at home (7):
Use a humidifier to reduce nasal congestion. You can fix it in your bedroom or living area where you spend most of your time.
Use extra pillows to prop up your head. It clears the congestion in nasal passages and makes breathing easy.
Blow your nose gently by closing one nostril with your finger, and clearing the other. It prevents mucus accumulation in the nasal passages.
Rinse stuffy nose by squirting salt water solution into the nose.
Gargle with warm salt water to get temporary relief from sore throat.
Drink warm teas and plenty of fluids for relief from nasal congestion and sore throat.
Eat infection-fighting foods such as vitamin C foods, carrots, pepper, mustard, and cranberries, zinc and echinacea.
These measures will give you temporary relief. Keep repeating them until the effects of cold and flu reduce.
When To Consult A Doctor?
A cold or flu can last up to two weeks but the intensity reduces within three to five days. See a doctor if the symptoms last more than a few days with no improvement, or if the symptoms are unusual or severe (7). Before taking NyQuil or any other medicine, you should first seek counsel from your doctor and get assured that the benefits outweigh its risks to your pregnancy. Remember:
Do not take NyQuil Severe Cold and Flu during the first trimester as it contains phenylephrine, and could lead to birth defects.
Do not take Liquid NyQuil as it contains alcohol.
This post is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for a doctor’s consultation. Do not use any medication without talking to your doctor.
