Listed are over-the-counter medications approved for use by obstetrical patients in our practice.  Generally speaking they are available at all pharmacies and chain stores like Wal-Mart®, Target®, etc.  Should these medications not provide relief for the symptoms you experience, please call the office.

Nausea, vomiting: Vitamin B6, Unisom® ½ tablet twice daily, ginger (tea, ale, capsule, candy)

Indigestion, heartburn: Tums®, famotidine (Pepcid®)

Constipation: docusate (Colace ®), Metamucil®, Citrucel®, laxatives should generally be avoided unless instructed by your physician

Cold Symptoms – nasal congestion, runny nose, coughs: pseudoephedrine (ex. Sudafed®), guaifenasin (ex. Mucinex®).  If you choose to use a liquid remedy like Robitussin® make sure it does not have alcohol in it. It is okay to use throat lozenges/spray.

Allergies: diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), loratidine (Claritin®), cetirizine (Zyrtec®).

Aches, pains, low grade fever:  acetaminophen (Tylenol®). No Aspirin or Ibuprofen.  You want to keep your temperature below 100.4º. Call the office if 100.4º or higher, despite medication.

Gas/Bloating: simethicone (Gas-X®)

Hemorrhoids: Preparation H®, Anusol® suppositories or cream, Tucks® pads

Diarrhea:  Immodium®, Koapectate®, try clear liquids and rehydrate with electrolytes as found in Pedialyte® or Gatorade® or PowerAde®.

Rash/Itching: diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), Aveeno® oatmeal bath/lotion, hydrocortisone ointment, calamine lotion.

Yeast infections, external vaginal itching: Monistat 7®, which is available over-the-counter.  Use as directed on the box.