2018-09-18T11:47:52+03:00

Antiviral drugs during pregnancy

Pregnancy is not only the happiest period in a woman's life, but also the time when the body of the expectant mother is subjected to great stress. For this reason, immunity is significantly reduced, which often leads to possible colds, flu and other diseases. In this regard, the question arises - is it possible for a pregnant woman to take antiviral drugs, and if so, which ones?

Acute respiratory viral infections is the common name for a number of infectious diseases caused by viruses and occurring with symptoms of damage to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract (nose, larynx, trachea, bronchi). Such infections include colds, influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus, rhinovirus infections and some other infections. The main route of transmission of the virus is airborne, but infection is also possible through household items (dishes, towels), as well as through contact with the patient's saliva when coughing or sneezing. Since viral particles from an infected person are scattered everywhere in space, this explains the fact that expectant mothers, like everyone else, often encounter SARS.

According to statistics, the highest frequency of colds and flu among pregnant women and other population groups is observed in the autumn-winter period, from October to February. In December, doctors usually register a peak incidence. However, according to some reports, no more than 20% of expectant mothers with SARS seek medical help and recommendations. The rest of the future mothers prefer to self-medicate or not be treated at all and endure the disease “on their feet”, struggling with a runny nose, sore throat and not even mentioning the illness during the next visit to the doctor.

In addition, pregnant women, along with everyone, periodically encounter other viruses - human papillomavirus infection, enterovirus infection (refers to a variety of intestinal infections), candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, trichomoniasis, gardnerellosis. But some future mothers in this case sometimes try to avoid visiting specialists.

The main problem that arises during self-treatment of a pregnant woman who chooses her own medications without consulting a doctor is the likelihood of an adverse effect of the drug taken on the developing fetus. As you know, any drug, in addition to its direct action, can cause various adverse reactions. The body of an adult sometimes compensates for the resulting undesirable effects, but the cells and tissues of the fetus are much more sensitive to even minor biochemical changes. Drug exposure, if a woman takes drugs without the approval of a specialist, can disrupt the formation of fetal organs, cause cell damage and cause severe malformations.

The risk of taking medications in early pregnancy

To date, experts from different countries offer their own classifications of risk categories when carrying a baby. The most widely used is the American classification of teratogenicity * of drugs FDA (Food and Drug Administration - US Food and Drug Administration). In our country, the risk classification developed by the FDA is also used. And although when describing the degree of risk, the prescribed dosages of drugs and the characteristics of various clinical situations are not always taken into account, it can still be used to obtain information on the possible danger of drugs for the expectant mother and baby.

A simplified interpretation of the FDA teratogenicity classification is currently as follows:

• category A - no risk (a special study was conducted);
• category B - the risk is not proven (animal experiments have not confirmed the dangers of the drug, special studies have not been conducted);
• category C - the risk is possible (experiments on animals have confirmed the danger of the drug, special studies have not been conducted);
• category D - the risk is proven (evidence of a harmful effect on the fetal body has been obtained);
• category X - categorically contraindicated in pregnancy (the harmful effects of the drug outweigh the possible benefits of its use).

While carrying a baby, it is better to refuse to take any analgesics of narcotic origin, tetracycline antibiotics and some antispasmodics. Antihistamines, antitumor, anticonvulsant, hormone-containing, anesthetic drugs, as well as tranquilizers, synthetic sedatives, cold preparations, vasoconstrictor drops, and even vitamin preparations and restorative agents are allowed to be taken only after the approval of a doctor. Antiviral drugs for expectant mothers are also recommended to be taken after the permission of a specialist.

Which antiviral drugs are suitable in the 1st trimester of pregnancy

In case of illness, only reliable, time-tested drugs that are approved for pregnant women can be used, which must be indicated in the instructions. One of these drugs is VIFERON. This drug is available in the form of suppositories, ointment or gel. He carefully takes care of the health of women, and also contributes to the birth of a healthy baby.

Preparations VIFERON Gel and Ointment can be used already from the first trimester of pregnancy. With external and local application, the drug in the form of a gel / ointment has an effect only in the lesion. VIFERON Candles can be used from the second trimester, from the 14th week. In this case, a dosage of 500,000 ME is used, 1 suppository 2 times / day after 12 hours daily for 5 days. This course is used for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, for the treatment of urogenital infections, supportive courses are prescribed according to the instructions for medical use.

Instructions for use of the gel, ointment and suppositories Viferon during pregnancy

The scheme of application of the drug VIFERON Gel

The scheme of application of the drug VIFERON Ointment

Scheme of application of the drug VIFERON® Suppositories (rectal suppositories)

For influenza and SARS, the drug VIFERON Candles 500,000 ME is used for 5 days. For herpes infection and urogenital infections in pregnant women, including human papillomavirus infection, expectant mothers from the second trimester (starting from the 14th week of gestation) are recommended VIFERON ® 500,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day every 12 hours daily for 10 days , then 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours every fourth day for 10 days. Then every 4 weeks until delivery VIFERON ® 150,000 IU 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours daily for 5 days. If necessary, before delivery (from the 38th week of gestation), the use of VIFERON ® 500,000 IU is indicated, 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours daily for 10 days.

When using the drug in the form of suppositories, the stomach does not experience additional stress, which is very important for expectant mothers suffering from gastrointestinal diseases, including gastritis. The active ingredient of the drug does not have an additional burden on the liver.

What antivirals are suitable in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy

The use of the drug VIFERON® in the treatment of urogenital infections (CMVI, herpetic infection of the mucous membranes of the genitals, ureaplasmosis) in order to improve the course and outcome of pregnancy contributes to:

• helps to reduce the number of pathological conditions of a pregnant woman 2;
• reduces the incidence of polyhydramnios by 1.9 times 1 ;
• reduces the antigenic load on the body of the expectant mother and fetus 1 ;
• reduces the risk of threatened miscarriage by 3.5 and 2.6 times, respectively 3 ;
• reduces the number of patients with a positive HPV DNA test by 2.6 times 4 ;

The use of VIFERON® in pregnant women with urogenital infections (CMVI, herpetic infection of the genital mucosa, ureaplasmosis) in order to reduce the development of pathological conditions in a child contributes to:

• reduces the number of children with intrauterine growth retardation by 1.7 times 2 ;
• reduces the number of cases of development of hypoxia (oxygen starvation of the body) by 1.9 times 2 .

Reference material

General doctor

1. Budanov P.V., Strizhakov A.N. "Etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of intrauterine infection", Issues of gynecology, obstetrics and perinatology, 2010.
2. Bocharova I.I., Malinovskaya V.V., Aksenov A.N., Bashakin N.F., Guseva T.S., Parshina O.V. "The influence of viferon therapy in mothers in the complex therapy of urogenital infections during pregnancy on the immunity and health status of their newborns", 2009.
3. P.V.Budanov, A.N.Strizhakov, V.V.Malinovskaya, Yu.V.Kazarova, “Discoordination of systemic inflammation in intrauterine infection”, Issues of gynecology, obstetrics and perinatology, 2009.
4. Klimanova R.R., Malinovskaya V.V., Parshina O.V., Guseva T.S., Novikova S.V., Torshina Z.V., Zarochentseva N.V. "The effect of viral infections on the cytokine profile in pregnant women with a burdened obstetric history and immunocorrective therapy with human interferon alfa-2b", 2013.

* teratogenic - disturbing embryonic development

Often, when pregnant, a woman is forced to take medication, despite the risk of their negative impact on the health of the unborn baby. The immune system cannot always resist the activity of viruses and microbes, especially while waiting for the baby. The need to prescribe an antiviral drug for pregnant women appears with severe acute respiratory viral infections, influenza and exacerbations of chronic infections, such as HPV or herpes.

This cannot be avoided, since viral infections can provoke the development of serious complications in the mother and fetus. When choosing a treatment, it is important to take into account not only the specifics of the disease, but also the fact that not every drug is suitable for a woman in position.

In early pregnancy, viral infections, such as SARS and, are the most dangerous. It is at this stage that the unborn child develops most intensively, new organs and systems are formed in him, and the placenta is at an embryonic level and cannot fully protect the fetus from the pathogenic effects of viruses.

Any disease can cause a failure in the development of the unborn child, lead to spontaneous abortion, and in the later stages - cause premature birth and the birth of a weak or unviable baby.

Often, infections transferred during pregnancy cause severe congenital pathologies, intrauterine infection of the fetus. To avoid sad consequences, the first signs of malaise should not be ignored.

Self-medication is not recommended, since influenza and SARS require the appointment of antiviral and other drugs, and it is almost impossible to choose them yourself and not harm the unborn child. Even if you know which antiviral drugs you can take during pregnancy, it is necessary to visit a doctor and get tested.

Overview of antiviral drugs allowed for expectant mothers

There is a list of relatively safe and approved drugs for the treatment of colds and flu, as well as the removal of concomitant symptoms in expectant mothers. Let's consider them in more detail.

Antiviral tablets

Oscillococcinum - a homeopathic antiviral remedy in granules, aimed at eliminating the symptoms of a cold and speeding up recovery. The drug stimulates the synthesis of natural interferon. Oscillococcinum is safe for expectant mothers and does not cause side effects (except for individual intolerance).

Contraindicated in persons suffering from epilepsy, gastric and duodenal ulcers, kidney and liver diseases. The drug is taken 30 mg (1 tablet) 3 times a day. If necessary, the doctor can change the dosage of the drug.

Antipyretic

The course of treatment usually lasts up to 10 days. Candles are administered rectally 2 times a day - in the morning and in the evening.

What drugs are prohibited during pregnancy?

Not all expectant mothers know which antiviral drugs can be used by pregnant women for flu and colds, and which ones are better to refuse so as not to harm the baby. Prohibited drugs include:

• Aspirin , which has a blood-thinning effect, which is not always useful for the expectant mother and fetus.
• tetracycline and streptomycin - drugs that negatively affect the process of formation of the skeletal system of the unborn baby.
• Analgin , the reception of which negatively affects the development of the fetus.
• Remantadin and Gropronosin - means, the effect of which on the fetus has not been studied, but is often unpredictable.
• Kagocel - a drug prohibited when carrying a child, like some other immunomodulators.
• Xylene, Otrivin, Xylometazoline permissible for the treatment of nasal congestion in exceptional cases, since they have a negative effect on the vessels.

Features of treatment with cold medicines

It is not safe to treat a cold with any drug you like from a pharmacy during pregnancy, since many of them did not have time to pass the necessary studies confirming the absence of an effect on the fetus. But it is almost impossible to protect yourself from viruses, therefore, if the expectant mother feels the first symptoms of a cold or flu, she should visit a doctor and begin treatment.

Features of treatment in the first trimester

At this time, the fetus is most vulnerable and susceptible to the negative influence of extraneous factors. Treatment should be carried out under medical supervision, with strict adherence to dosages of drugs.

The following drugs can be used: Paracetamol, Pinosol drops, Lazolvan cough syrup, Ingalipt spray. They are practically not absorbed into the bloodstream and are safe for the unborn baby. It is undesirable to use folk remedies in the first trimester. High doses of vitamin C and complications due to insufficient treatment can negatively affect the further course of pregnancy.

Pregnancy is not only an amazing period when a whole organism begins to form from just two parental cells. It is also a time of great responsibility. After all, now a woman is responsible not only for herself, but also for her child.
Mechanical and immune protection, nutrition and excretion, hormonal support and respiration of the fetus - all these functions are carried out thanks to the mother's body.

However, it is not uncommon for the expectant mother to fall ill. This is not surprising, since during the period of bearing a child, the female body reduces its immune defenses. This happens due to the fact that half of the genetic material of the fetus is foreign to the mother's body. Decreased immunity is a mandatory sign of pregnancy. Not without reason, doctors are asked to "take care of yourself" during the period of gestation.

Any more or less serious disease of the mother requires effective therapy. Therefore, we have prepared a complete list of drugs for pregnant women so that you can competently carry out treatment with minimal risk to your child.

It is important to emphasize that the vast majority of doctors do not recommend the use of drugs during pregnancy. None at all. However, you see, it is not always possible to cope with the disease without medication. Therefore it is extremely important in case of urgent need use drugs with minimal risk to the fetus after painstaking study of the instructions for use (section: "during pregnancy").

Due to reduced immunity, a cold during pregnancy is the most frequent companion of women. Temperature, runny nose and headache, herpes on the lips, body aches and weakness, cough and sore throat - all these are signs of the disease that require immediate treatment. Let's consider what medicines can be taken by pregnant women with a cold.

The cause of the common cold in the vast majority of cases are influenza viruses or SARS. The use of antiviral agents is indicated only in case of urgent need, with extreme caution in the 1st trimester. Women "in position" can use the following medicines for SARS and flu for pregnant women.

Antiviral drugs during pregnancy:

1. Tamiflu, Relenza, Nomides, Influcein, Acyclovir - directly destroy the virus.
2. Viferon (from 14 weeks), Grippferon, Giaferon (with caution), Oscilococcinum - have an immunostimulating and antiviral effect.

As a prophylactic against SARS, pregnant and lactating women can be used.

Cough medicines for pregnant women

A wet or dry cough during pregnancy is often a symptom of colds and viral infections. Here, nature itself comes to the aid of expectant mothers, since the main group of drugs in this case is herbal remedies. Cough during pregnancy can be treated with the following drugs:

1. Mukaltin tablets (marshmallow extract).
2. Cough tablets (thermopsis).
3. Althea syrup.
4. Licorice syrup.
5. Vegetable syrups Doctor Theiss.
6. Tusuprex tablets.
7. coltsfoot extract.
8. Plantain extract.
9. Lozenges and lozenges with extracts of sage, plantain, eucalyptus, chamomile. For example, Travisil or Doctor Theiss.
10. Gedelix.
11. Bronchicum.
12. ACC for sputum discharge (use under medical supervision).

From the 12th week of pregnancy it is allowed to take Lazolvan (syrup, solution, tablets). And from 14 weeks it is allowed to use Stoptussin and Intussin drops.

Caution should be exercised when using Sinekod drops and syrup, Omnitus syrup, as well as Codelac Neo tablets and syrup. Use them mainly in the later stages only when absolutely necessary.

How to treat a runny nose during pregnancy?

Nasal congestion and constant discharge from the nose cause a lot of discomfort. A woman has to breathe through her mouth - this leads to the drying of the oral cavity. In addition, breathing through the nose warms the incoming air and allows it to be additionally filtered from bacteria and viruses. You can restore normal nasal breathing with sprays and solutions based on sea water or saline:

1. Aqualor.
2. Aquamaris.
3. Marimer.
4. 0.9% sodium chloride solution (physical solution).
5. Special devices for washing the nose (Dolphin).

The use of vasoconstrictor drops based on xylometazoline and oxymetazoline is allowed only from the 14th week of pregnancy. At this time, Otrivin, Nazivin, Nazol, Xymelin and similar agents can be used. It is advisable to use them for no more than 3-4 days in children's dosages.

Headache medicines for pregnant women

Almost any disease is accompanied by pain. They signal to us that not everything is in order in the body and urgent help is needed. Toothache and headache are the most common reasons for using painkillers or analgesics.

In addition, a pregnant woman becomes more sensitive to irritating factors. Therefore, a headache during pregnancy is not at all uncommon, and it is allowed to treat it with the following means:

1. Paracetamol. The safety of the drug is not in doubt. Reception is recommended to start with a children's dosage (250 mg) and, if there is no effect, gradually increase the dose.
2. No-shpa tablets and suppositories Papaverine are used to eliminate spasm of cerebral vessels. These spasms can cause severe headaches and migraines.
3. Ibuprofen, Nurofen. However, these drugs are not used in the 3rd trimester and are used with caution in the 1st and 2nd trimesters.

This list of safe painkillers can be supplemented with auxiliary measures to eliminate pain:

1. More rest in a calm environment, if necessary, you can take 1 tablet of Valerian.
2. Use aromatic oils (lavender, mint, tea tree) or Golden Star balm. This will take your mind off the pain.
3. Apply a cloth dampened with cool water to the head.
4. Ventilate the room more often and prevent stagnation of air.
5. Traditional methods of treatment of headache. You can apply a cabbage leaf or lemon zest to your head.

Sore throat medicines for pregnant women

Sore throat often accompanies colds. As a result, there is perspiration, pain, discomfort when swallowing and speaking. Sore throat during pregnancy can be eliminated by the following means:

1. Warm infusion of the herb Chamomile.
2. Tablets Laripront and Lizobakt during pregnancy are the drugs of choice, since their main component - lysozyme - is found in human saliva and is a natural antiseptic.
3. Gargling with an aqueous solution of 0.05% Chlorhexidine or Furacilli. You can use Miramistin (spray or solution). These drugs are not absorbed into the blood and do not penetrate the baby. However, the use of chlorhexidine solution can lead to the appearance yellowness of the teeth.
4. Tea tree oil. Add 2 drops to a glass of warm water and use as a rinse. For the procedure, you must purchase pure essential oil. The use of cosmetic oil for rinsing is not recommended.
5. Lubrication of the throat with Lugol's solution. This is an effective method, but the procedure itself can provoke a gag reflex. Alternatively, you can use Lugol in the form of a spray.

Now you know how to treat a cold during pregnancy and will be able to cope with this disease on your own.

Heartburn medications for pregnant women

An increase in the size of the fetus invariably leads to an increase in compression on the hollow organs of the pelvis and abdominal cavity. In the second and especially in the third trimester, there is additional pressure on the bladder, intestines and stomach, which affects their mode of operation.

Frequent urination and defecation is the norm for pregnant women. Heartburn during pregnancy, on the other hand, delivers significant discomfort and requires immediate measures to eliminate it. You can get rid of heartburn during pregnancy at home using the following remedies:

1. A solution of baking soda (1/2 spoon per 200 ml glass).
2. Maalox.
3. Rennie.
4. Gastal.
5. Phosphalugel.
6. Gaviscon.
7. Almagel.

It should be remembered that some of the antacid preparations contain aluminum compounds. This component is safe for pregnant women, but can lead to constipation. Difficulties in defecation are highly undesirable, as they increase the risk of hemorrhoids.

A complete list of drugs for pregnant women

Medicine	Activity spectrum and notes
Tamiflu, Relenza, Nomides, Influcein	Against influenza viruses
Acyclovir cream, Acyclovir ointment	Antiherpetic agent
Viferon, Grippferon, Giaferon, Oscilococcinum	They have an immunostimulating and antiviral effect
Mukaltin, Cough tablets, marshmallow syrup, licorice syrup, Travisil, Gedelix	Antitussives
Aqualor, Aquamaris, Marimer, 0.9% sodium chloride solution, Dolphin	Restore nasal breathing (can be used at any time)
Otrivin, Nazivin, Nazol, Xymelin concentration for children	Restore nasal breathing (can be used from 14 weeks)
Paracetamol, Ibuprofen and Nurofen	For toothache or headache. Ibuprofen and Nurofen should be taken with caution in the 1st and 2nd trimester, they are contraindicated in the 3rd trimester
No-shpa, candles Papaverine	For spasms and pain caused by spasms
Linebact Maxi	Synbiotic for restoration of intestinal microflora

Preparations from the presented list have a minimal effect on the child. But they should be used only if it is not possible to normalize the condition with the help of non-drug methods of treatment.

Pathogenic microorganisms are able to pass from sick people to healthy people through the air.

Therefore, the common cold spreads with such speed: after all, everyone breathes everywhere.

What should a future mother do if a sick person has already appeared in her family?

And if the virus still overtakes her, then what antiviral drugs for pregnant women can women take, if they are allowed to use pills in this position at all?

When not to

Yes, there are situations when, being in a position, you have to resort to medicines, although the doctor recognizes their harm, which can affect the health of the unborn baby and potential mother.

The greatest danger to the body of the mother and child occurs when antiviral drugs are taken in the early stages.

Because at this time the systems and organs of the embryo are formed. That is why drugs can have a negative effect on the development of the fetus.

In the 2nd trimester, some pills and medicines are already much less able to negatively affect the baby's body.

But the expectant mother can still drink them only with the consent of the doctor.

What can

• Paracetamol

Pregnant women are allowed to take only "pure" Paracetamol, without any additives.

Medications for colds include a small percentage of those that can be given to pregnant women when needed.

• Panadol

It will help to reduce the temperature without much harm to the baby.

• Doctor Mom

Soothes the throat and relieves cough

• Aquamaris, Mukaltin, Bromhexine

Permitted for the treatment of the common cold.

• Allowed to fight viruses Grippferon, homeopathic , Viferon(they only apply after ).
• ointment and drops

Helps in the treatment of a runny nose in a pregnant woman. Also other sprays with sea water.

All these drugs are used only with the permission and under the supervision of a physician.

After all, only a doctor can determine what caused a cold - viruses or bacteria. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.

Yes, despite the reluctance of the expectant mother to swallow antibiotics, sometimes this is a necessity.

Failure to treat bronchitis, tonsillitis or sinusitis can be fraught with serious complications.

What medicines and remedies are not allowed

It is not recommended for pregnant women in early and late periods tetracycline and its derivatives streptomycin and chloramphenicol.

Patients often escape from fever aspirin, but doctors know what side effects this medicine has, and insist that women in position do not need to take it.

It can adversely affect the blood of the future mother and baby.

In no case should you put mustard plasters and soar legs, and physiotherapy procedures are categorically contraindicated.

If the treatment of the expectant mother does not help and the temperature rises above 39 ° C, it is urgent to call an ambulance.

And what proven medicines from the “people's first aid kit” will help women cope with viruses during pregnancy?

• The first target in the attack of a cold is the nasopharynx.

So let's not forget about medicinal rinses.

You can use sage infusion:

A handful of its leaves is poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water,

Close tightly and infuse for at least 20 minutes.

The infusion will be even more effective if you add half a teaspoon of sea salt to the glass.

• Any medications will replace radish, this amazingly healthy root crop deserves a place of honor on the table of a pregnant woman.

Radish is rich in antimicrobial substances.

It is very useful to rub it and add honey, it will turn out better. The main thing is that the expectant mother should not be allergic to honey.

• Cranberry- the real natural antibiotic.

It is more useful than any medicine, and will help defeat the flu, acute respiratory infections.

Cranberry juice should not be boiled, because then vitamins are destroyed.

The berries are simply doused with hot water, crushed with a crush, and then the resulting mixture is diluted with slightly cooled boiling water to the desired volume.

The berry mixture is then filtered and sugar or honey is added to taste.

• You can also drink folk antiviral agents - teas with lemon balm and mint, lingonberry juice.

The doctor must decide which teas and fruit drinks you can drink so as not to cause.