The word "toxicosis" is familiar to almost every pregnant woman. In most expectant mothers, it is associated with suffering in the morning, nausea and vomiting. Typically, toxicosis begins at 5-6 weeks of gestation and continues until the end of the first trimester. Those women who are experiencing this period of their life especially hard are forced to go to the doctor for medical treatment and take various drugs for toxicosis. An overview of the most popular drugs prescribed by gynecologists, as well as methods for their use, are presented in our article.
Toxicosis and its causes
In 70% of women, all the suffering during pregnancy is associated with nausea and vomiting: in some - only in the morning, and in others - all day long. This painful condition is toxicosis. And although in Western countries this term has long been abandoned, in the post-Soviet space it has become so deeply ingrained in the minds of people that it seems that there can be no nausea and pregnancy.
The name "toxicosis" comes from the Greek word "toxin", which means "poisonous". But what can be poisoning during pregnancy? The fact is that first the fetal egg, and then the embryo and fetus are foreign bodies for the female body. And in order to receive and carry out the body, a number of biochemical processes occur with the development of various kinds of organic substances. And since each organism is individual, it also reacts differently to changes that occur in the body. An important role in this is played by the psychological factor.
The main signs of toxicosis: nausea and vomiting, which occur, as a rule, in the morning. In 90% of women, these symptoms completely disappear by the 20th week of gestation. By this time, the pregnant woman’s body adapts to hormonal changes and actively occurring biochemical processes, so the “new” state usually does not cause any discomfort.
The occurrence of toxicosis can be explained by the following factors:
- hormonal changes;
- genetic predisposition;
- smoking;
- senior childbearing age (30-35 years);
- multiple pregnancy;
- low body weight;
- unbalanced diet with insufficient nutrients;
- chronic diseases (migraine, diabetes mellitus);
- thyroid disease.
Since toxicosis is a completely normal condition for a pregnant woman, in most cases special treatment is not required. As a rule, by the end of the first trimester, all symptoms disappear without a trace on their own. If a woman does not tolerate nausea and vomiting very poorly, she must inform the doctor about it in order to get an appropriate prescription for what to take from toxicosis.
Indications for medical treatment
Only in 2% of pregnant women, toxicosis is accompanied by indomitable vomiting, which is repeated 5-6 times a day. Such a painful condition in medical practice is called Hyperemesisgravidarum. In this case, attacks of vomiting can provoke any ingestion of food or liquid. At the same time, a woman loses weight, salt metabolism is disturbed. A pregnant woman with such a diagnosis should be under the constant supervision of doctors. She may need to administer intravenous nutrients (vitamins, amino acids, glucose). Severe vomiting is dangerous for both the mother and the fetus, since it can cause dehydration of the woman's body and provoke a miscarriage.
The indication for prescribing treatment is not only severe vomiting, but also the following conditions of the pregnant woman:
- complete lack of appetite;
- rapid weight loss;
- pallor of the skin, the appearance of bruises under the eyes and a gray coating on the tongue;
- smell of acetone from the mouth;
- a state of apathy, drowsiness, general discomfort, in which it is impossible to perform household duties:
- increase in body temperature to 37.4 °.
But still, in most cases, morning sickness is a temporary condition that is difficult to prevent, since preventive drugs for toxicosis have not yet been invented. In the early stages of pregnancy, nausea most often occurs on an empty stomach, so a woman can be recommended to have breakfast right in bed, eat fractionally, every 2 hours. It is advisable to ensure that the diet is balanced.
Sorbent intake for nausea
Since doctors associate toxicosis precisely with poisoning, the prescription of drugs that promote the elimination of toxins from the body is quite predictable. The most popular sorbent approved for use during pregnancy is Polysorb. Cases of doctors prescribing this drug for toxicosis in the first trimester are not uncommon.
Polysorb is a powerful enterosorbent, 60 times stronger than activated carbon, and 2 times better than Enterosgel. When using the drug, the binding and elimination of toxins from the body, both entering it from the outside and produced internally, occurs. The effectiveness of Polysorb is as follows:
- elimination of signs of toxicosis in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy;
- getting rid of allergy symptoms;
- elimination of harmful substances from the body, without penetration into the blood and intestinal microflora disturbance;
- increasing the body's resistance to various diseases.
The drug "Polysorb" is available in the form of a white powder intended for the preparation of a suspension. With early toxicosis, women are prescribed to take 3 g (1 tbsp.) Of the drug three times a day 1 hour before meals or 60 minutes after eating. The powder is first diluted in a glass of cold boiled water. The drug begins within 5 minutes after ingestion.
"Cerucal" from toxicosis
The following drug belongs to the group of antiemetic drugs. “Cerucal” is the name of toxicosis pills that is familiar to all women who have been treated for severe nausea and vomiting in the hospital. Gynecologists have a mixed opinion about the purpose of this drug. On the one hand, the medicine completely eliminates the symptoms of toxicosis, namely it allows you to get rid of nausea and vomiting in the morning and during the day. On the other hand, Cerucal tones the uterus, causing smooth muscle cramps. This is fraught with a number of side effects, for example, placental abruption or miscarriage. Therefore, this medicine is prescribed only if it is impossible to do without it.
The dosage of the drug is determined individually. Most often, women are prescribed to take 10 mg of the drug 1 time per day. The duration of admission is determined by the doctor based on the health status of the pregnant woman. The price of Cerucal is 110 rubles for 50 tablets.
It should be noted that the instructions for the drug indicate contraindications for use, including pregnancy. But along with this, it is noted that in the course of studies the negative effect of the active substance (metoclopramide) on the fetus was not established. In any case, despite the more than low price, Cerucal should not be taken without a doctor’s prescription. The consequences can be very serious.
Features of the use of the drug "Navidoxin"
The following drug is widely used to eliminate the symptoms of early toxicosis in Arab countries. The main active ingredient of the drug "Navidoxin" is pyridoxine or vitamin B6, that is, its composition is quite harmless. It is clinically proven that an additional intake of 10 mg of this vitamin for toxicosis reduces the frequency of nausea and vomiting by 70%.
But the problem is that there is practically no information about this drug, so its purpose raises some concerns. In our country, the drug "Navidoxin" from toxicosis did not pass certification. Today it can only be bought abroad, in particular in the UAE. That is why a pregnant woman is most often offered analogues to eliminate the symptoms of toxicosis:
- "Dicletin" is a drug that is a combination of pyridoxine with doxylamine.
- "Pyridoxine" is a domestic drug produced in tablets and ampoules for intramuscular administration. One tablet contains 10 mg of pyridoxine or vitamin B6. The medicine should be taken orally after a meal, without chewing and drinking plenty of water. The dosage is determined by the doctor based on the condition of the pregnant woman. It is usually prescribed to take 1-2 tablets 4 times a day.
The effectiveness of the drug "Zofran" in toxicosis
The following drug is one of the most expensive prescribed during pregnancy. Its cost is about 4 thousand rubles for 10 tablets containing 8 mg of active substance. The manufacturer of this drug for toxicosis is a UK pharmaceutical company.
"Zofran" refers to antiemetics with high efficiency. The drug completely blocks the urge to vomit and alleviates the condition of the pregnant woman. Zofran is taken 1 time per day in a dosage of 4-8 mg. In the first trimester, the medicine should be taken with extreme caution and only as directed by the doctor. Self-medication in this case is unacceptable.
Antihistamines during pregnancy
A number of studies have shown that drugs that are in this group are safe for pregnant women. They can reduce the symptoms of toxicosis and relieve motion sickness.
Usually, the following antihistamines for toxicosis are prescribed by a gynecologist:
- Meklosin. The drug helps to cope with nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and prevents the development of allergic reactions. In the early stages of pregnancy, the drug is prescribed strictly according to the indications, when the expected benefit of the treatment exceeds the potential harm. As a side effect, drowsiness is often observed. During pregnancy, the dosage is 25-50 mg per day. The duration of the drug is 24 hours.
- Tavegil. A drug of this class is usually prescribed by pregnant doctors of the older generation, who do not see any teratogenic danger in it. The drug has a strong antihistamine effect, but during childbearing it should be taken only at a dosage determined by the doctor.
Hofitol: instructions for use in toxicosis
The next drug is one of the safest of those prescribed during pregnancy. At first glance it may seem strange how a drug designed to facilitate the functioning of the digestive system and liver can help in the fight against toxicosis. In fact, Hofitol not only exerts a choleretic and diuretic effect on the body, but also improves metabolic processes in general. This allows you to get rid of indigestion and constipation, eliminate heartburn and relieve the condition of a woman suffering from toxicosis.
Clinical studies have shown that a drug based on field artichoke extract improves blood circulation in the uterus and placenta, increasing the flow of oxygen to the fetus and normalizing its vital signs. This drug is indicated not only for toxicosis, but also for fetal hypoxia of any origin.
Hofitol is produced in the form of a solution for oral administration and in the form of tablets. For pregnant women, the second option is most convenient and preferred. This is explained by the fact that the liquid solution contains alcohol, which is contraindicated for women carrying babies.
The presented drug for toxicosis during pregnancy should be taken in this dosage: 2-3 tablets 3 times a day before meals. The course lasts at least 3 weeks.
In addition to the drug “Hofitol”, other hepatoprotectors, medicines intended to protect the liver in case of toxicosis, may be prescribed as an alternative to the pregnant woman. For example, the drug Essentiale is considered no less effective.
Ginger and peppermint tablets for nausea in toxicosis
To cope with vomiting at different gestational periods, you can use a simple and affordable herbal remedy. Peppermint tablets based on peppermint essential oil are one of the most effective ways to escape from toxicosis during pregnancy. Small lozenges with a pleasant, refreshing taste have an antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. The components included in the composition of peppermint essential oil reflexively weaken the attack of nausea and prevent the onset of vomiting.
To eliminate the characteristic symptoms of toxicosis, it is enough to put one or two mint tablets under the tongue and completely dissolve them. It is recommended to take no more than 8 pieces per day.
Another no less effective tool in the fight against toxicosis is ginger. It can be used in its pure form or taken in capsules: 2 pieces immediately after a meal. With the help of this tool, you can significantly alleviate your condition with toxicosis. Ginger extract in capsules in a dosage of 100 mg can replace 1 g of fresh root.
General recommendations of doctors
Despite the fact that for the most part, drugs for toxicosis are quite safe for pregnant women, gynecologists try to prescribe them only in extreme cases. With mild nausea, it is better to do without pills. It is recommended to deal with unpleasant symptoms with alternative means:
- lead a moderate lifestyle, limit physical activity;
- sleep at least 8 hours a day;
- eat on demand, eat in small portions;
- Do not forget about daily walks in the fresh air;
- try to avoid pungent odors;
- exclude fatty foods from the diet;
- eat more fresh vegetables and fruits;
- drink enough fluids throughout the day.
A future mother suffering from toxicosis is not recommended to abruptly get out of bed so as not to provoke an attack of nausea. It is advisable to first have a light snack in the form of an apple, natural yogurt or at least water with lemon right in bed, so that the nausea attack recedes, and then go to wash.