What are the complications of taking Sudafed PE at eight weeks of pregnancy?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am eight weeks pregnant, and I am not done with my first baby appointment yet. I have had a horrible sinus infection for the past four days. I started out with Benadryl and did not see any improvement, so I bought Sudafed PE. I have a medication list of what I can take during pregnancy from my sister, who is also pregnant. Sudafed is on that list, but not PE. I did not realize there was a difference until I started searching the internet. Did I harm my baby? This is my first pregnancy, so I am freaking out right now. My doctor's office is not open right now to call and talk to them.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You should have done the first antenatal check-up and should ask about medicine. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is safe in pregnancy, and Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine and Phenylephrine) can be given in the second and third trimesters but not in the first trimester. You have not mentioned how much and how long you took it. In the first trimester, fetal organs are underdeveloped. In the second and third trimesters, they only increase in size, and further betterment takes place. As your history is not telling the duration and dosage of your treatment. Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine and Phenylephrine) is better avoided in the first trimester due to uncertain efficacy and safety in pregnancy.

Another research was done in the 19 th century, and drugs were given to animals like rabbits during pregnancy and childbearing humans. In animals, cardiovascular and orofacial defects and polydactyly were observed. In humans, it did not show any significant anomaly.

So concluded that it is better to avoid, especially in the first trimester, as they have not mentioned clearly in which trimester drug was taken by human females.

My advice for you is to have nuchal translucency measurement at 13 to 15 weeks. It could have a double test or quadruple test as well. Twenty weeks detailed anomaly scan and at 22nd week fetus's heart outflow tract should be assessed in scanning. Further, check for any abnormal signs and symptoms you feel, and report them to the doctor. After 25 weeks, check on baby movements monitoring and assessment through CTG (cardiotocography) in the third trimester. For flu, steam inhalation, gargle with salt water, and for cough, use honey only. In case of chest congestion and productive cough with fever, take oral antibiotics mostly after check-ups. Continue Folic acid 0.4 mg daily.

I hope you get my point.