From the Guidelines
Buckley's cough mixture is not recommended during pregnancy due to limited safety data and potential risks to the fetus. When considering the management of coughs in pregnant women, it's essential to prioritize the safety of both the mother and the fetus, minimizing exposure to medications unless absolutely necessary 1. The active ingredients in Buckley's cough mixture, including dextromethorphan and alcohol, raise concerns due to their potential effects on the developing fetus.
Alternatives for Cough Management
Instead of using Buckley's cough mixture, safer alternatives can be employed to manage coughs during pregnancy:
- Simple honey and lemon mixtures
- Staying hydrated
- Using a humidifier
- Saline nasal sprays for congestion
For persistent symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider who can recommend pregnancy-safe medications, such as certain antihistamines or acetaminophen, for associated symptoms 1. The principle of minimizing medication use during pregnancy unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks should guide all treatment decisions.
Key Considerations
- Morbidity and Mortality: Hypertensive disorders, including those that could be exacerbated by certain medications or conditions during pregnancy, are a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality 1.
- Quality of Life: Managing symptoms effectively while ensuring the safety of the fetus is crucial for maintaining the quality of life for pregnant women.
- Evidence-Based Practice: The most recent and highest quality evidence should always guide clinical decisions, especially in pregnancy, where the stakes are high for both the mother and the fetus 1.
From the Research
Buckley in Pregnancy
- There is no direct mention of "Buckley" in the provided studies, however, the studies discuss the management of hypertension in pregnancy, which may be related to the topic.
- The studies mention various antihypertensive medications used during pregnancy, including labetalol, nifedipine, and methyldopa 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- According to the studies, these medications are used to manage severe hypertension in pregnancy and have been shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure and improving maternal and fetal outcomes 2, 4, 6.
- The choice of antihypertensive medication during pregnancy depends on various factors, including the severity of hypertension, gestational age, and the presence of other medical conditions 3, 5.
- The studies suggest that antihypertensive medication use during pregnancy is common, and labetalol, nifedipine, and hydralazine are the most commonly selected agents 5.
- Methyldopa and nifedipine have been shown to improve endothelial progenitor cell function and colony formation ability in patients with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia 6.