Can You Take Cold Medicine While Pregnant?
Medically reviewed by Andre Stone | MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on August 25th, 2026.
Some cold medicines are safe during pregnancy, but many common ingredients should be avoided. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered safe throughout pregnancy for pain and fever relief. Avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen during pregnancy unless your healthcare provider recommends it; low-dose aspirin is sometimes prescribed for specific conditions, and ibuprofen is of particular concern later in pregnancy. Pseudoephedrine is generally avoided during the first trimester and may not be appropriate for people with high blood pressure, so ask your healthcare provider before using it. Available evidence has not shown dextromethorphan to increase the risk of birth defects, but ask your healthcare provider before using it during pregnancy and choose a product without unnecessary added ingredients. The FDA no longer assigns medications the pregnancy letter categories A, B, C, D, and X. Prescription-drug labels instead summarize available information about risks during pregnancy to help patients and healthcare providers make individual decisions. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy, as individual circumstances vary and some conditions require specific medical guidance.
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