Is It Safe To Use Mucinex While Pregnant or Breastfeeding? – Let’s Find Out!

The last thing a mamabear would like to go down with is a cold or the flu, especially when pregnant or breastfeeding. But what if you do? Is it ok to consume medicines that you would have otherwise? Most importantly, is it safe?

While most of you might have come across this situation many times, we’re here with all answers for you. Let’s understand if Mucinex is a safe medication to take when pregnant or breastfeeding in the blog below! 

First Things First, What Is Mucinex?

It is one of the over-the-counter medications for colds with main forms like Mucinex, Mucinex DM, Mucinex D, and their strength versions. These are all best suited to treat symptoms of colds and the flu-like cough and congestion in the nasal passages and the chest. 

Is Mucinex Safe To Take During Pregnancy?

The Mucinex breastfeeding partially safe medication comes with 3 active ingredients, namely – Mucinex, Mucinex DM, and Mucinex D which are dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine. These are drugs that are present in the medication in different amounts. Therefore, in order to understand if Mucinex is safe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, we must first understand if these ingredients are safe.

• Guaifenesin

This is an expectorant that helps relieve symptoms of chest congestion by thinning mucus in the lungs. Coughing the mucus helps clear the airways resulting in easier breathing.

As per the American Academy of Family Physicians, it isn’t yet known if this ingredient is safe to use during pregnancy. This is why the doctors mostly avoid the usage, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy.

• Dextromethorphan

This is a cough suppressant that affects the signals in the brain that trigger the reflex of cough. 

As per the American Academy of Family Physicians, this ingredient is safe to use during pregnancy. Nevertheless, dextromethorphan must only be used during pregnancy and only when needed.

• Pseudoephedrine

This is a decongestant that shrinks the blood vessels in the nasal passages and reduces stuffiness in the nose. 

As per the American Academy of Family Physicians, pseudoephedrine causes certain birth defects in the first trimester of pregnancy. 

Is Mucinex Safe To Take During Pregnancy? – The Strengths

Here is a tabular representation of the strengths of every ingredient in different Mucinex products.

The six forms of Mucinex as in the table above contain guaifenesin that must be avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, they could be safe to use in the later trimesters. Nevertheless, you must always make sure to consult your doctor before consuming any product containing Mucinex at any time during pregnancy.

Is Mucinex Safe While Breastfeeding?

In order to understand if Mucinex is good to take when breastfeeding, we must understand the active ingredients of the medication. These include Mucinex, Mucinex DM, and Mucinex D.

• Guaifenesin

There is no reliable source that confirms guaifenesin as a safe ingredient to take while breastfeeding. On the other hand, there are just a few sources that claim it is likely safe amongst those that do not and state for it to be avoided to prevent any effects.

• Dextromethorphan

Its safety during breastfeeding isn’t studied quite much, however, it is considered to be at the lowest levels that can appear in breast milk. This is why it is considered to be likely safe, especially with children older than two months of age.

• Pseudoephedrine

This is known to be safe to consume during breastfeeding and has been studied more when compared to guaifenesin or dextromethorphan. Generally, it is thought to be safe to take during breastfeeding while others observe it to reduce the amount of milk produced in the body. 

Again, before you think of consuming either of the above, you must always make sure to consult your doctor.

Alternatives-

There are other drug-free alternatives to Mucinex that can help avoid cold medications while pregnant or breastfeeding.

For Congestion

• Drink lots of fluids (water or fruit juices), this helps loosen mucus and remove phlegm. In case of any medical condition that requires limited fluids or sugar, make sure to check with your doctor before you drink more fluids.
• Try a hot shower as the steam can help open the nasal passages and ease breathing.
• Add an extra pillow when sleeping to help the fluids drain from the nasal passages easily.

For Sore Throat

• Gargle using warm saltwater.
• Suck a throat lozenge or hard candy.
• Eat ice chips.
• Make sure to drink warm tea.

To Conclude: Is Mucinex Safe While Breastfeeding? – Talking With Your Doctor

Mucinex is considered to be the safest while in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Therefore, before taking any medication, it is best to talk to your doctor. 

Here is a list of questions that you might want to ask your doctor:

• Is Mucinex, Mucinex DM, or Mucinex D safe to consume?
• Which amongst all products works best for the symptoms?
• Are there any other alternatives to medications that include the same ingredients as Mucinex?
• Is there any other non-drug alternative to ease and relieve the symptoms?
• Could I have any health issues that Mucinex could affect?

FAQs:

• What is Mucinex?

It is one of the over-the-counter medications for colds that come with main forms like Mucinex, Mucinex DM, Mucinex D, and their strength versions. These are all best suited to treat symptoms of colds and the flu-like cough and congestion in the nasal passages and the chest. 

• What are the other non-drug ways to ease congestion when pregnant or breastfeeding?

Listed below are other non-drug ways to ease congestion when pregnant or breastfeeding:

• Drink lots of fluids (fruit juices and water), this helps loosen mucus and remove phlegm. In case of any medical condition that requires limited fluids or sugar, make sure to check with your doctor before you drink more fluids.
• Try a hot shower as the steam can help open the nasal passages and ease breathing.
• Add an extra pillow when sleeping to help the fluids drain from the nasal passages easily.

• What ingredients does Mucinex medication include?

The Mucinex medication comes with three active ingredients, namely – Mucinex, Mucinex DM, and Mucinex D that is guaifenesin, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine.

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