Can I Take Cough Medicine When Pregnant?

A cough or cold during pregnancy can feel miserable — and the usual instinct to reach for a cough medicine in the bathroom cabinet becomes complicated when you're expecting. Most cough medicines should be used with caution in pregnancy, and some ingredients are best avoided. Here's what you need to know.

Quick Answer

Cough medicine in pregnancy: Most proprietary cough medicines are not recommended in pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. Simple linctus (a basic, plain cough syrup with few active ingredients) is generally considered the most straightforward choice. Honey and lemon in warm water is a safe home remedy for soothing a cough. Always speak to your pharmacist before buying any cough product when pregnant.

Table of Contents

1. Is Cough Medicine Safe?
2. Ingredients to Be Aware Of
3. NHS Guidance
4. Safe Alternatives
5. FAQ

Is Cough Medicine Safe in Pregnancy?

As a general principle, the NHS advises avoiding medication in pregnancy wherever possible, especially in the first trimester when your baby's organs are forming. For a mild cough, this means trying to manage the symptom with home remedies before considering any over-the-counter product.

If a cough is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms such as a high temperature, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, contact your GP or call 111 rather than self-treating. A temperature above 38°C in pregnancy always warrants a call to your GP, midwife, or 111, regardless of whether you have a cough.

Ingredients to Be Aware Of

• Dextromethorphan — a cough suppressant found in many branded cough and cold products. The safety data in pregnancy is limited, and pharmacists generally advise caution, particularly in the first trimester.
• Guaifenesin — an expectorant that thins mucus. Again, safety data in early pregnancy is limited. It is best to check with your pharmacist before taking products containing this ingredient.
• Codeine — sometimes found in stronger cough preparations. Codeine is not recommended in pregnancy. It can affect the baby, particularly if taken regularly or at higher doses.
• Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine — these are often combined with cough medicines in "all-in-one" cold and flu products. Decongestants are generally avoided in pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester.
• Alcohol — some liquid cough preparations contain alcohol. Check the label and avoid alcohol-containing products during pregnancy.
• Menthol — found in some lozenges and chest rubs. Small amounts in throat lozenges are generally considered low risk, but it is worth checking with your pharmacist if you are unsure.
• Simple linctus — this is a basic glycerin and citric acid syrup used to soothe the throat. It has a well-established safety profile and is the option most often suggested by pharmacists as a starting point.

Always read the label carefully and tell the pharmacist you are pregnant before purchasing any cough or cold product. Many combination cold and flu remedies contain several active ingredients, so even if one component is acceptable, another in the same product may not be.

NHS Guidance

Your pharmacist is a good first port of call for questions about cough medicines. They can look at the specific product and advise whether it is appropriate at your stage of pregnancy, or suggest a safer alternative. This service is free and you do not need an appointment. Most pharmacists are well versed in pregnancy-related queries and will be happy to help.

If you are unsure and cannot speak to a pharmacist, call your midwife or GP surgery, or call 111 for advice. Do not rely solely on online searches or general product information when making decisions about medication in pregnancy — the safest route is always to ask a professional who knows your individual circumstances and stage of pregnancy.

Safe Alternatives

• Honey and lemon in hot water — soothing for an irritated throat. Note that honey is safe for pregnant adults; only babies under one year old should not have honey.
• Simple linctus — available over the counter from pharmacies; ask the pharmacist to confirm it is appropriate for your stage of pregnancy.
• Steam inhalation — breathing in steam from a bowl of hot (not boiling) water with a towel over your head can help loosen mucus and ease congestion. Take care not to burn yourself.
• Staying well hydrated — drinking plenty of water helps thin mucus and supports your immune system. Warm drinks in particular can be soothing on an irritated throat.
• Rest — your immune system works harder when you sleep, so adequate rest is genuinely therapeutic. Don't underestimate rest as an active part of recovery.
• Saline nasal spray — safe in pregnancy and can relieve congestion associated with a cold, which in turn may reduce post-nasal drip that triggers coughing.
• Throat lozenges — some sugar-free throat lozenges containing glycerin or low amounts of menthol are considered low risk, but check with your pharmacist first.
• Elevating your head at night — propping yourself up slightly with an extra pillow can reduce the irritation from post-nasal drip, which often makes night-time coughing worse.

Avoid herbal cough remedies unless you have confirmed with a pharmacist or your midwife that they are safe in pregnancy. "Natural" does not automatically mean safe during pregnancy — some herbal preparations are not suitable for use in the first trimester or at any stage.

When to Seek Medical Advice

A mild cough associated with a cold can usually be managed at home. However, you should contact your GP, midwife, or call 111 if:

• You have a high temperature (above 38°C)
• You have chest pain or difficulty breathing
• You notice blood in your mucus or phlegm
• Your cough has lasted more than two weeks without improving
• You feel very unwell or are struggling to eat, drink, or sleep because of your symptoms

If you are ever unsure whether your symptoms need urgent attention, it is always better to call and ask than to wait and see.

Frequently Asked Questions

Don't panic. Taking a small amount of most over-the-counter cough medicines before you knew you were pregnant is unlikely to cause harm. Contact your GP or midwife for reassurance and mention it at your next appointment or booking appointment. They can advise based on what you took and at what stage.

Can I buy cough medicine over the counter while pregnant?

Always tell the pharmacist you're pregnant before buying any cough or cold product. They can check the specific ingredients and advise whether it is suitable for your stage of pregnancy, or suggest a safe alternative. Do not rely on the general packaging claims — the pharmacist assessment is the right route.

Is a cough in pregnancy ever a reason to call my GP?

Yes. If your cough is accompanied by a high temperature (above 38°C), chest pain, difficulty breathing, or blood in your mucus, contact your GP or call 111 promptly. A persistent cough that is not improving after a week or two is also worth discussing with your GP.

Always speak to your midwife, GP, or pharmacist for personal advice before taking any medication in pregnancy.

Last reviewed: June 2026

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• Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy