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| On 09/26/2005 Tricia Smith from Fort Wainwright, AK wrote: |
I just wondered what the risks were in taking phenylephrine hydrochloride (Sudafed Non-Drowsy)while pregnant. I can only seem to find the precaution against it, but not the reason why to not take it.
-- Tricia,
I wouldn't use it. I would use a nasal spray like "4-Way" which is a 4 hour spray if you really need a decongestant. That way you are treating just the sinuses. (Don't use the 12 hour sprays).
Here is the "official" information regarding phenylephrine and pregnancy...
Pregnancy:
Category C . Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. Use only when clearly needed and when the potential benefits outweigh the potential hazards to the fetus.
Labor and delivery: If used in conjunction with oxytocic drugs, the pressor effect of sympathomimetic pressor amines is potentiated.
Lactation: It is not known whether this drug is excreted in breast milk. Safety for use in the nursing mother has not been established. Because many drugs are excreted in breast milk, exercise caution when administering to a nursing woman.
The biggest concern with decongestant use in pregnancy is the vasoconstriction of the uterine arteries, which reduces fetal blood supply.
This is a danger to both you and the baby. I would recommend being monitered by your doctor. If you have any other questions please let me know.
Thanks,
Bill |
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