Can You Take Mucinex While Pregnant?

There is a lot that you have to deal with while you are pregnant. But what about the medicines? Generally, we do not bother paying much attention to medicines and take the medicines for a simple fever or cold all by ourselves, which we take during other times. But this is not just like the other times. Pregnancy asks for special care and attention.

Such is the case with Mucinex. I have found out that multiple people have been asking the question, “Can you take Mucinex while pregnant?” Not all drugs are fit for a pregnant lady. Nothing could be worse than catching a cold while you are already dealing with all the other changes and symptoms that pregnancy is surprising you with. So, let’s discuss in detail the medicine Mucinex that is troubling all our newbie moms.

What Is Mucinex? Why Is It Used?

Mucinex is among the many OTC or over-the-counter drugs which is used for treating colds. According to a maternal mortality expert and obstetrician, Dr. Alan Lindemann, MD said, “It loosens and thins mucus in the lungs, enabling coughing up the mucus and helping to clear airways, [which makes] breathing easier.”

Another doctor, an OBGYN, associated with Orlando Health Physician Associates, Megan Grey, said, “Mucinex is used for a cough that is productive of mucus, not a dry cough.”

There are three different variations of this particular drug, Mucinex, Mucinx DM, and Mucinex D.

Is Mucinex Safe During Pregnancy?

Mucinex and the other variations that it has are mainly composed of three different ingredients, pseudoephedrine, dextromethorphan, and guaifenesin. These three ingredients are found in different quantities in these three products. And to get the answer to the question, “Can you take mucinex while pregnant,” we have to go through the safety of these ingredients that compose the medicines.

Guaifenesin

This is an expectorant. This mostly helps in relieving symptoms of chest congestion by thinning and loosening the mucus that has grown in the lungs. Coughing the mucus up helps in cleaning the airways and makes it easy to breathe.

But there is no such research or supporting evidence that can say that Guaifenesin is safe to take during pregnancy. This is the main reason why doctors prohibit the use of guaifenesin in the first trimester of pregnancy. So, if you were looking for, “Can you take mucinex while pregnant first trimester?” You have got your answer.

Dextromethorphan

This is a cough suppressant. It affects the signals from the brain that generally triggers the cough reflex. This appears to be safe during pregnancy, but it should only be used if it is absolutely needed.

Pseudoephedrine

This is a decongestant. It contracts the blood vessels in the nasal passage, and that helps in reducing the study sensation that you get in your nose during a bad cold. According to the American Academy Of Family Physicians, this can cause various birth defects if consumed in the first trimester. Consuming this is strictly not recommended.

Quantity In Which These Are Present In The Medicines

We have put together a chart that shows the quantity or strength of each ingredient that is present in the different varieties of Mucinex.

Ingredient	Dextromethorphan	Guaifenesin	Pseudoephedrine
Mucinex	–	600 mg	–
The maximum strength of Mucinex	–	1,200 mg	–
Mucinex DM	30 mg	600 mg	–
The Maximum strength of Mucinex DM	60 mg	1,200 mg	–
Mucinex D	–	600 mg	60 mg
The maximum strength of Mucinex D	–	1,200 mg	120 mg

All the variations that we have mentioned above contain Guaifenesin, so it is better to avoid the consumption of Mucinex while you are pregnant. What an answer to “Can you take maximum strength mucinex while pregnant?” Well, we have provided you with one. And the answer is “No.” But if you are looking for “Can you take mucinex while pregnant third trimester,” then the answer is a little dicey. There are certain studies that say it is safe to take the drug in the later trimesters, but we would strongly recommend that you check with your doctor before making a decision.

Alternatives And Home Remedies

It is best to avoid these medications for safety reasons during pregnancy. Go with the safest option ever, which is home remedies. They are the ones without any side effects and can help you deal with your health issues. Let’s see a few of those which can help you with your bad cold.

Drink a lot of fluids, like juice and water, to help the mucus loosen up and remove the phlegm. But if you have some special condition like heart disease or diabetes, consult with your medical officer before drinking a lot of fluids.
Taking hot showers can be helpful as well. Steam would help the nasal passage to open and would let to breathe easily.
While sleeping, take an extra pillow. This will help the fluids to pass through your nasal passage easily.
You can also try gargling with warm water if you have a sore throat.

Is It Safe To Take Mucinex While You Are Breastfeeding?

Studies have shown that taking Mucinex during the later trimesters and while breastfeeding is safe. But, it is better to hold it off, as your little one is still getting all the nutrients from breast milk. So it is better to wait a little longer till your baby is not completely dependent on breastfeeding or they are getting their nutrition from different sources.

But there is not much information on the consumption of Mucinex while breastfeeding. Dr. Grey says, “In general, this medication should be used only if necessary and for the shortest duration and lowest dose necessary to manage symptoms.”

When To See A Doctor?

It is best to consult a doctor before taking any medicines during pregnancy. This article is for reference purposes, and you might take up this matter with your doctor when you visit next.

If you have consumed Mucinex without realizing you are pregnant, there is nothing to worry about. There is very less chance that it is going to affect your child in any way at this point, as the umbilical cord doesn’t start developing until five weeks of conception.

Bottom Line

There is not much evidence that can answer “Can you take mucinex while pregnant?” But, it is considered unsafe to consume this drug during pregnancy specifically during the first trimester. The little research that has been done shows there could be chances of birth defects if consumed in the first trimester.

But it is best to avoid the drug altogether during pregnancy. Why take any risk when there is not much research and evidence to support it? Sometimes it harms more than it benefits, so it is better to avoid it or consult a doctor if you have a really bad cold, and it is imperative to take the drug.

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subhasree nag

Subhasree is a content writer who is passionate about traveling, writing, and reading books. In her leisure time, she is seen listening to music and watching web series. Writing along with music and dance are ways in which she expresses herself.