Can pregnant women take Lipid-Lowering and Bowel-Regulating Capsules?

Pregnant women generally should not take lipid-lowering and laxative capsules and are advised to focus on proper health management. If experiencing any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.

Lipid-lowering and laxative capsules are a type of traditional Chinese medicine formulation, primarily containing ingredients such as rhubarb, senna leaf, hydrated sodium sulfate, and ginseng. Although these ingredients are believed in traditional Chinese medicine theory to have the effect of moistening the intestines and relieving constipation, they also possess certain toxicities or pharmacological effects. For pregnant women, the components of the medication may pass through the placenta into the fetal circulation, potentially adversely affecting fetal development; therefore, they are generally contraindicated.

A pregnant woman's liver and kidney function may change due to pregnancy, which could affect drug metabolism and excretion, thereby increasing the risk of adverse reactions. Even in the second and third trimesters, unless there is an urgent medical need, it is not recommended to use such medications arbitrarily in order to avoid unnecessary risks. When selecting medications, priority should be given to drug safety, avoiding those that may be harmful to the fetus.

Pregnant women should maintain a positive and optimistic mindset and avoid excessive mental stress, which helps maintain a healthy condition during pregnancy.