Can You Use Cough Drops or Throat Lozenges While Pregnant?

Cough drops, also known as lozenges, can contain a whole host of ingredients, including honey and vitamins. Largely, they’re safe to take during pregnancy. However, you need to use them with caution. 1

Here’s what you need to know about the safety of the ingredients in most over-the-counter cough drops, their potential risks, and a few alternative remedies.

Yes, as mentioned, cough drops are generally considered safe to use during pregnancy, but with a few caveats. 2

You need to watch out for a few ingredients, such as certain herbs, which haven’t been proven to be safe when you’re carrying a child. 3 Not all cough drops contain these ingredients (which we’ll list below), but some do.

On a broader note, consulting with your doctor is always the right first step before taking any medication, including over-the-counter remedies like cough drops.

How safe are the ingredients in cough drops during pregnancy?

Because cough drops can contain such a wide mix of ingredients, you’ll need to pay attention to the label when picking yours out. Here’s a breakdown of common components:

• Menthol: This is generally considered safe. Menthol is a common active ingredient known for its cooling and soothing effect on the throat. 4 5 However, concentrated menthol (and, similarly, eucalyptus) may pose risks when you’re pregnant, so you should still ask your doctor if you see this ingredient listed on your chosen cough drop’s packaging.
• Honey: Some cough drops contain this natural, pregnancy-safe throat soother. It has the added benefit of having antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. 1 6
• Herbal additives: Some cough drops contain herbs like licorice, lavender, peppermint, or ginkgo biloba. 7 8 While these are natural, they aren’t generally considered safe during pregnancy. If you see a long list of herbal ingredients on your brand of cough drops, ask your doctor if it’s safe. 9 10 11
• Sweeteners: Some cough drops contain corn syrup, cane sugar, or artificial sweeteners. 4 12 3 If you have diabetes (including gestational diabetes), opt for sugar-free varieties. You can’t eat too many of those, either, as they can have a laxative effect (especially those with a sugar substitute called sorbitol). 13
• Dextromethorphan: This ingredient (found in Delsym and Robitussin) can interact with other medications like antidepressants and insulin. 14 15 Avoid cough drops with this ingredient or ask your doctor before you take them.
• Benzocaine: This is a numbing agent found in lozenges like Chloraseptic, Cepacol, and Halls. 16 17 Although it hasn’t been very thoroughly studied, it’s generally considered safe to use. 18 17
• Vitamin C and zinc: Some cough drops include these out of the belief that they can shorten a cold’s duration (although research hasn’t really proven that this is effective). 19 1 If you’re taking prenatal vitamins, you’re probably getting all the vitamins and minerals you need already, so make sure you talk to your doctor to make sure you’re not exceeding your daily intake limit. 1

What brands of cough drops are known to be safe?

The general consensus is that you can pick up Ricola, Cepacol, or Halls cough drops without issue. 20

When you pick a brand, pay close attention to the active and inactive ingredients on the label, especially if you have health concerns like diabetes or allergies. Consult your doctor before taking anything, and only use the drops as directed (like other small snacks, they can be psychologically addictive).

If you want to speed up your relief, you can take Benadryl while you’re pregnant. The same goes for these other pregnancy-safe medications (after getting the all-clear from your doctor first, of course): 17 3

• Dextromethorphan (Robitussin)
• Guaifenesin (Mucinex)
• Vicks mentholated cream

Don’t use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during your pregnancy, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and celecoxib, as they may raise your baby’s risk of developing heart, kidney, and lung problems. 1 21

If you’re looking for nonmedicinal ways to soothe your throat, drink plenty of water, noncaffeinated herbal teas (approved by your doctor), and warm broth. You can also add honey and lemon to warm water or tea for a soothing and antimicrobial effect.

For inflammation and congestion, you can use a saline nasal spray (e.g., Neilmed Nasamist or Sterima). 22 You can also use a bulb syringe, squeeze bottle, or neti pot to irrigate your nasal passages with saline solution or with sterile, distilled, or boiled and cooled water to clear your passages. 1 23

Lifestyle tips for beating minor colds while you’re pregnant

You should also pay attention to your: 1

• Rest: Try to get 7–9 hours of sleep to allow your body to recover. While you’re sick, add an extra hour to your nightly sleep and incorporate at least one (ideally two) naps into your daily routine.
• Humidifier: Getting one of these will add moisture to the air and potentially ease your congestion.
• Diet: Eating a healthy pregnancy diet can boost your immune system and potentially stave off colds and help you recover from ones you contract.
• Saltwater gargle: Mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water and gargle the concoction for relief from a sore throat, cough, or postnasal drip (when mucus drips down the back of your throat).

While we’re on the topic of remedies, don’t force yourself to tough it out. It’s better to see your doctor so they can verify that there’s nothing more serious going on if at-home treatments aren’t working for you.

You should also be proactive in staying up to date on your vaccinations. It’s perfectly safe to get the flu shot during your pregnancy (in any trimester). The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends getting it in early flu season, which is from October through May. 24

Mild colds aren’t usually dangerous, but don’t rely solely on cough drops if your symptoms worsen or persist, especially if you have a fever, which may increase your baby’s risk of developing birth defects. 25 26

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever and chills) or if your symptoms don’t improve after 10 days or if you experience any of the following: 25 27

• Trouble breathing
• Pain in your chest or stomach
• A cough that won’t go away or keeps coming back
• Extreme fatigue
• Dizziness
• Signs of dehydration (you don’t pee for a long time)
• Concerns about your baby’s movements

Don’t panic if you notice any of those potential red flags. Just get checked out.

While using cough drops may seem like a no-brainer, approach them with caution and awareness during pregnancy, just like you do with all medications (even commonplace over-the-counter ones).

Pay close attention to the ingredients, especially if you have underlying health conditions, take them in moderation, and don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen or persist.

Keep your doctor in the loop so you can manage your symptoms safely and support a healthy pregnancy.