Many Robitussin medicines on the market contain either dextromethorphan or guaifenesin as active components. These substances alleviate cough and cold symptoms.
Guaifenesin is a stimulant. It thins pulmonary secretions and loosens phlegm (mucus). This makes your coughing more prolific. A productive cough will aid in the removal of the mucus that is causing chest congestion. This aids in the clearing of your airways. The other component, dextromethorphan, aids with cough management.
Because dextromethorphan and guaifenesin are over-the-counter medications, there is no recognized pregnancy category rating. Still, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and considering utilizing a product containing these active components, you should keep a few things in mind.
Can A Pregnant Woman Take Robitussin
What is Robitussin?
Robitussin is a cough and cold drug that contains the active chemicals dextromethorphan and guaifenesin.
It works by decreasing your lungs’ secretions and reducing the number of times you cough.
Additionally, Robitussin works to release the mucus produced by a cold, allowing you to feel better sooner.
Robitussin is typically sold as cough syrup, but it is also available as cough drops and pills.
Pregnancy and Robitussin
Both dextromethorphan and guaifenesin appear to be safe to use while pregnant. Many liquid cough treatments containing these components, however, also contain Alcohol. Alcohol should not be drunk during pregnancy since it can cause birth defects. Ask your pharmacist to assist you in locating an alcohol-free cough medication that is appropriate for you.
Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin do not have any recognized side effects; however, they can cause:
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Headache
In rare circumstances, rash
Constipation may also be caused by dextromethorphan. Many of these adverse effects are comparable to morning sickness symptoms and may exacerbate them if you already have morning sickness.
Robitussin and breastfeeding: everything you need to know
There has been no research conducted on dextromethorphan or guaifenesin while breastfeeding. However, dextromethorphan is likely to enter into breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, try to avoid taking it. If the Robitussin product you’re thinking about using contains Alcohol, you should avoid nursing if you use it. Alcohol can enter through breastmilk and affect your child.
Consult your physician
The use of Robitussin products containing dextromethorphan or guaifenesin during pregnancy or nursing has not been researched. However, both of these components are thought to be safe to consume during these times.
It would help if you still thought about the potential side effects and how they might affect what you’re already going through throughout pregnancy. It is also important to consider the inactive chemicals in some of these products, Alcohol, and how they may impact pregnancy and nursing.
