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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Cold and flu tablets

9 replies

Longislandicedme · 27/04/2019 12:40

I know on the back of the packet it says to consult your doctor (this is for the Lemsip day and night capsules) but Im just wondering if anyone else has taken them and sees no reason to worry? I’m currently knocked out with a cold and need something to keep me going!
I know they have caffeine in the day capsules but I can sacrifice coffee them if need be.

OP posts:
Casmama · 27/04/2019 12:46

If you can buy it over the counter and there is nothing in the patient information leaflet about people who shouldn't take it that relates to you then I can't see a problem.
I think your GP would find it very odd if you made an appointment to discuss taking a medicine you can buy in the supermarket.

IVEgottheDECAF · 27/04/2019 12:52

Im pretty sure your not supposed to take them and feel like it may be to do with the decongestant bit not being safe?

Paracetamol, honey and lemon, rest and lots of fluids

eurochick · 27/04/2019 12:55

Just take paracetamol.

12pinkchairs · 27/04/2019 12:57

No @Casmama thats exactly what the NHS advise you do to when you're pregnant. You can speak to a pharmacist, midwife or GP OP a lot of medications aren't safe in pregnancy and often the benefit (of feeling a little better) doesn't outweigh the risk (most effects unknown as medicines aren't tested on pregnant women.)

In terms of cold medication the problem is they often contain decongestants likes phenylephrine.

"Phenylephrine has blood vessel constricting effects that could restrict blood supply to the placenta, or cause problems for women with a history of pre-eclampsia. As a result, this medicine is not usually recommended for use by women who are pregnant."

There is more information here
www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/aches-pains/a8510/lemsip-max-cold-flu-direct/

AnnaBegins · 27/04/2019 12:57

Decongestant (phenylephrine hydrochloride) is not safe in pregnancy. That's why it says on the box. I'm afraid paracetamol is pretty much the only option. Hot honey and lemon too.

IVEgottheDECAF · 27/04/2019 13:01

Impressed at my remembering it was the decongestant! Woop!

Original poster
Longislandicedme · 27/04/2019 13:29

Thanks everyone I’ve just taken paracetamol. Definitely not worth the risk - I didn’t even think about the decongestant! Hopefully this will pass soon!

OP posts:
Casmama · 27/04/2019 15:44

I'm really sorry, I clicked on this thread from active convos and didn't realise it was in the pregnancy topic. I think you made the right choice. Sorry again

Original poster
Longislandicedme · 27/04/2019 17:23

@Casmama to be fair I should have said in my post anyway - just read it back and realised how it sounds 😂

OP posts:
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