Is Phenylepherine during pregnancy safe?

[Maria2707]

I am 31 weeks pregnant and have cold and sore throat. I called my doctors office and the receptionist told me that I could take Tylenol cold. My dh bought tylenol cold that contained phenylepherine. I took two capluts and later looked up on the Internet about phenylepherine. It says it's not safe to take in pregnancy. I am all worried and can't sleep now. Can someone tell me about this please...

[BearHitch]

I had a cold not too long ago, and I believe if I remember correctly anything with starting with a "phen" was not okay.  Now, the only thing my OB and family doctor told me to take was Sudafed.  The pharmacist told me it really wasn't a great choice.  The other thing to check is in the inactive ingredients some cold medicines have like, 10% alcohol content.  So... I know Sudafed is something doctor's say okay to.  The best thing to do is try home remedies and do your best without or only take it at night so you can sleep better and rest.  Good thing for a sore throat is warm water with honey - chicken soup - rest - and a humidifier.  Don't you hate it when the weather starts to get nice and that is when the last of the cold bugs hit?!  Good luck and feel better!

[peekawho]

Most doctors offices have an approved list of medications that they recommend to pregnant ladies to take for symptoms of common ailments.  If you look up every single medication on earth, there would be a pregnancy warning about 95% of them.  OTC cold medicines are sometimes recommended by obstetricians for very bothersome cold symptoms.

If you are really worried, you should call back and let them know what you are thinking, and perhaps they can reassure you.

There are saline nasal sprays that you can use that don't contain any medication at all, and that might offer you some relief from a stuffy nose.   You can also use sore throat lozenges that can temporarily numb the pain of a sore throat.  Drink lots of fluids and if you are running a fever or the sore throat is unusually severe, let the doctors office know right away.

[Maria2707]

Thank you girls for your response. I am trying so hard not to take any meds. Today afternoon took two regular Tylenol. I did call my ob office and expressed my concern. Receptionist says any Tylenol med is fine. I don't want to believe that and will not take the cold med. I am worried that the cough might start soon and that will be bad. I am the home remedies. As far as this cold does not affect the baby I can go through it.