Is It Safe To Use Vicks During Pregnancy?

When you’re tired of coughing or having breathing problems, is Vicks the first name that pops into your head? Well, you’re not alone. Many of us rely on quick Vicks solutions at home. But when you’re pregnant, even the good stuff can raise a bit of doubt in your mind. We understand that, and here we have brought you a detailed discussion on using Vicks during pregnancy!

Vicks and Its Uses

Vicks is an original American brand owned by the American company Procter & Gamble that produces over-the-counter medications and solutions for cough, breathing problems, etc. The brand has been offering some very well-known home remedies and medications for over a hundred years. Some common Vicks products include Vicks VapoRub, Vicks Vapor Inhaler, Vicks NyQuil & DayQuil cold and flu medication.

Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment designed for use on the chest, back, and throat to relieve cough and congestion. It contains a combination of camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, which produce a cooling sensation and help to relieve respiratory discomfort.

Vicks Vapor Inhaler is a small, portable device that releases a fine mist of medicated vapors into the air when you breathe in through your mouth. It offers relief from congestion and cough associated with colds, flu, and other respiratory conditions.

Vicks NyQuil and DayQuil are over-the-counter cold and flu medications that contain a combination of ingredients that help to relieve symptoms such as cough, congestion, headache, and fever. NyQuil is intended to be taken at night to help you sleep, while DayQuil is formulated for use during the day to help you stay active.

Since different Vicks products serve different purposes, each of them has different guidelines for use in pregnancy.

Is It Safe To Use Vicks During Pregnancy?

The main reason behind the effectiveness of Vicks Products is that they contain ingredients that work great as both cooling and moisturizing agent. Most Vicks solutions contain camphor, menthol, eucalyptus oil, cedar leaf oil, nutmeg oil, petrolatum, thymol, and turpentine oil as common elements. Based on the ingredients used, some Vicks products are considered safe to use, while some are best to avoid during pregnancy. 

Vicks VapoRub is an old-fashioned, inexpensive remedy for cold and flu symptoms. The concentration of active ingredients in VapoRub is within the FDA-approved limit for safe topical application.

• Camphor 4.7%
• Eucalyptus oil 1.2%
• Menthol 2.6%

So, VapoRub is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. 

Vicks VapoDrops usually have menthol and eucalyptus. When taken in moderation, they are regarded as safe during pregnancy.

Vicks Inhaler is like a lip balm or stick. It contains menthol, camphor, and Siberian pine needle oil. All of these ingredients are likely safe for pregnant women. 

Vicks Sinex Nasal Spray contains oxymetazoline. There are mixed opinions on whether nasal decongestants containing oxymetazoline are safe or not safe during pregnancy. So you are only advised to use it during pregnancy if your doctor approves. 

Vicks Sinex Decongestant Capsules are not recommended during pregnancy. That’s because one of the active ingredients of Vicks Sinex decongestant capsules is phenylephrine hydrochloride – which is known for reducing blood flow.

Final Thoughts

Some at-home cold remedies might be unsafe for the developing fetus. So, it is always a good decision to be cautious when using any medications or home remedies during pregnancy and to speak with your healthcare provider before trying anything new. This can help to ensure the safety of both you and your baby.