What cold medicines can pregnant women take when they have a cold?
Jul 10, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
Introduction
What cold medicines can pregnant women take for a cold? Generally, it is not recommended for pregnant women to take medication. However, if the cold does not improve, they may take cold medications under a doctor's guidance. Commonly used drugs, such as penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics, usually have little impact on the fetus. Additionally, if a pregnant woman has influenza, she may take medication under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine pattern differentiation.
In general, pregnant women with colds may take medications such as Isatidis Root Granules (Banlangen), Jingfang Granules, Lianhua Qingwen Capsules, Honeysuckle Granules, and Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Isatidis Root Granules (Banlangen)
Isatidis Root Granules is a traditional Chinese medicine known for its heat-clearing, detoxifying, and antiviral effects, with relatively few side effects. It can help relieve cold symptoms caused by viral infections during pregnancy, such as fever and sore throat. However, it should only be taken under a doctor's guidance to ensure safety.
2. Jingfang Granules
Jingfang Granules is a traditional Chinese medicine with the function of relieving exterior symptoms through warming and dispersing actions. Its main active ingredients are Chinese herbs such as Schizonepeta (Jingjie) and Saposhnikovia (Fangfeng). It is effective in treating cold symptoms caused by wind-cold during pregnancy, including chills without sweating, headache, and nasal congestion. This medication must also be used under medical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.
3. Lianhua Qingwen Capsules
Lianhua Qingwen Capsules have antiviral properties and are suitable for colds caused by viral infections. If a pregnant woman’s cold is due to a virus and symptoms are severe, she may take this medication in appropriate doses under a doctor's guidance. However, it is important to note that any medication use must prioritize the safety of both mother and baby.
4. Honeysuckle Granules
Honeysuckle Granules primarily contain honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), which has heat-clearing and detoxifying effects. They can help alleviate symptoms such as fever and sore throat during a cold in pregnant women. Nevertheless, caution is still required, and use must be supervised by a physician.
5. Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid
Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid is composed of Chinese herbs including Scutellaria baicalensis (Huangqin), honeysuckle, and Forsythia suspensa (Lianqiao), and functions to dispel wind and relieve exterior patterns. It can also help relieve cold symptoms in pregnant women. However, it is essential to emphasize that pregnant women should consult their doctors before using this product to ensure safe medication use.
To protect maternal and fetal health, pregnant women must use medications cautiously when experiencing colds, and whenever necessary, seek appropriate treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Additionally, pregnant women should focus on enhancing their immunity through adequate rest, balanced nutrition, and moderate exercise to prevent colds.
