Phenylephrine While Pregnant: Is It Safe for You and Your Baby?

Key Takeaways

Phenylephrine during pregnancy is generally not recommended unless your doctor advises you to take it. Although this decongestant can relieve a stuffy nose, its safety for pregnant women has not been fully established, so it’s important to understand the potential risks before using it.

So, what should you know before taking phenylephrine? This article covers the available safety evidence, possible risks at different stages of pregnancy, and alternative ways to relieve nasal congestion.

What Is Phenylephrine?

Phenylephrine is a drug that is used by medical professionals as a decongestant in order to help with bodily functions, such as dilating pupils, relieving haemorrhoids, nasal congestion, sinuses or even hay fever. This chemical, however, is found in multiple over-the-counter drugs (1). It is also used to keep hypotension under control that occur during c-section delivery.

You might be consuming phenylephrine while pregnant unknowingly because it provides relief. You might be practising caution in case you are pregnant with respect to the medication that you take. But what should you do in case you catch a cold or feel like your sinuses are congested? Is it okay to take phenylephrine? Will it lead to any harm? Read on for more information.

Is Phenylephrine Safe During Pregnancy?

If you’re wondering, can you take phenylephrine while pregnant? The answer is that phenylephrine is not safe for consumption by pregnant women, especially in the first trimester of their pregnancy. The drug works by narrowing blood vessels, which helps reduce the amount of nasal secretion, which, in turn, helps open up the air passages. Unfortunately, this narrowing of blood vessels is not just restricted to the nasal area because the drug does the same in the uterus. Narrowing blood vessels in the uterus could lead to your foetus receiving reduced blood flow and, therefore, less oxygen (2). This can lead to birth defects in your baby.

It is also associated with other effects, including vascular disruption, such as small intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, and hemifacial microsomia (3).

Can Phenylephrine Be Used as a Vasopressor During Pregnancy?

Intravenous phenylephrine is classified as a Pregnancy Category C drug by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are little to no adequate studies that prove the efficacy and safety of the Intravenous phenylephrine drug in pregnant women. Phenylephrine (Vazculep) used for treating hypotension should only be prescribed by doctors in special circumstances. Hence, doctors would only prescribe this drug only if the potential benefits will outweigh the risks (4).

Safe Alternatives to Phenylephrine When Pregnant

For the most part, the symptoms will disappear on their own in a few days, but in order to accelerate the healing process, you can try these non-medicinal ways to help your body recover (5).

• Drink lots of fluids to ensure that the congestion gets washed away. With a cold or congestion, staying hydrated is a definite way to accelerate recovery.
• Make sure to sleep and rest a lot. While the body is asleep or relaxing, it will provide itself with all the energy needed to fight off the viruses.
• Inhale steam or take hot showers. The steam usually helps clear up the nasal passage and fight off the congestion.
• Menthol rubs help fight off colds and throat issues. Rubbing some around your nose and temple area helps ward off the cold viruses.
• Use saline nasal sprays or drops. It can help loosen mucus and relieve nasal congestion without the use of medicated decongestants. They are generally considered safe during pregnancy (6).
• Using a humidifier can add moisture to the air, soothe dry nasal passages, and make breathing more comfortable, especially while sleeping.

When to See a Doctor?

Be sure to always consult your doctor before starting any medication. The doctor should be aware of all your health issues, and he/she could also provide you with an alternative without using harmful chemicals. In case you have a cold or some sort of congestion, make sure you reach out to the doctor right away in case it is accompanied by any of the following:

• Bleeding from your private parts.
• Pain in the chest area.
• Feeling dizzy.
• Fever.
• Difficulty with breathing

We strongly discourage the consumption of any over-the-counter medication during pregnancy, including phenylephrine. In case you accidentally took phenylephrine in pregnancy, and you are feeling unwell, it is best to get in touch with your doctor.

FAQs

1. How much phenylephrine should I take while pregnant?

Since phenylephrine and pregnancy are not assumed to go well, it is best to avoid the use of phenylephrine during pregnancy 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters. However, if the benefits seem to outweigh the risks, the doctor may prescribe the drug.

2. Can phenylephrine causes anxiety and make sleepy while pregnant?

If combined with other medications, phenylephrine can trigger anxiety, restlessness, and fear in some people. Therefore, it is best to avoid taking OTC medicines that contain phenylephrine combined with other drugs and only consult the doctor for your symptoms during pregnancy.

3. Does phenylephrine increase heart rate in pregnancy?

Phenylephrine can potentially increase heart rate and disturb heart rhythms abnormally. This could also make you feel your own heartbeat in rare cases. People with weak heart, heart and blood pressure issues should avoid taking this without a doctor’s consultation.

4. What happens if I accidentally took phenylephrine while pregnant in the first trimester?

Try not to panic. Taking a single dose does not necessarily mean your baby will be harmed. Contact your healthcare provider and share the medication name, dose, and time you took it. Avoid taking additional doses until you receive medical advice.

5. Is phenylephrine during pregnancy 3rd trimester safe?

Phenylephrine during pregnancy should only be used if your doctor recommends it. The medication constricts blood vessels and may increase blood pressure, which can be a concern during pregnancy.

A common cold is nothing to worry about since it is not life-threatening. However, it can definitely be a nuisance, especially if you are pregnant. Be careful with the medication you consume while your baby is growing inside you. In order to keep yourself and your baby safe, make sure you try all non-medical alternatives for simple ailments or else consult a medical professional to get the right kind of advice. Do not self-medicate under any circumstance, as pregnancy is sort of a walk on a fine line to make sure your baby is safe and grows up to be healthy and strong.

Also Read:

Taking Loratadine in Pregnancy
How Safe Are Painkillers during Pregnancy
Should You Take Omeprazole While Pregnant

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Sources References

1. Cleveland Clinic – Phenylephrine Solution

2. ScienceDirect – Infectious Diseases and Biologic Weapons

3. PubMed Central – Treating the common cold during pregnancy

4. The US Food and Drug Administration – Prescribing Information

5. Narayana Hrudayalaya – Colds During Pregnancy – Risks and Complications

6. Mayo Clinic – Allergy medicines and pregnancy: What’s safe?