Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking pseudoephedrine

Pseudoephedrine is not recommended in pregnancy because it can reduce the blood flow in the placenta and to the baby.

There is some evidence that pseudoephedrine, taken in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, may be associated with birth defects, although this evidence is not strong.

Pseudoephedrine is not usually recommended while breastfeeding.

Although it only seems to pass into breast milk in very small amounts, there is still not enough information about pseudoephedrine and breastfeeding. Until we know more, other medicines might be better.

Pseudoephedrine may also reduce the amount of milk you make, so try to avoid taking it if possible.

If you do need a medicine, speak to you doctor or pharmacist who will be able to advise on other options that are more suitable.

There's no evidence to suggest that pseudoephedrine affects fertility in men or women.

Tell your doctor if you're:

• trying to get pregnant
• pregnant
• breastfeeding