Dr. Marjorie Greenfield
Specializing in pregnancy and birth.
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 Ask Dr. Greenfield
Taking Cough Syrup When Pregnant | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Greenfield,
My question is about being prescribed Tussionex (cough syrup). Upon taking it I felt somewhat sedated, I am wondering if there are any dangers to my baby? I am 18 weeks pregnant. My doctor prescribed it because of my bronchial spasms. I searched the boards but could not find any specific info on this medicine.— Deanna in Virginia | | | ANSWER |
September 27, 2001 | | | Dear Deanna,
I think you can breathe a sigh of relief. The cough syrup you took contained chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine that is often used in pregnancy, and hydrocodone, a mild narcotic that is sometimes prescribed as a cough suppressant. Chlorpheniramine is probably safe for the baby and is FDA class B. Narcotics are fine for short-term use in pregnancy, as long as you don't get addicted, which would take a few weeks of daily use.
Both of these medications can cause drowsiness, so it's no wonder that you felt sedated. You must have had a nasty cough to be given such a powerful cough medicine! Anyway, I hope you can breathe easier now and that both your cough and your worries have been relieved. Take care.— by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. |
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