Does cold medicine affect pregnancy tests?

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergies, the common cold, and hay fever. They work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical that is involved in the body's allergic response.

Some antihistamines can cause false-positive pregnancy tests. This is thought to be because they can interfere with the way that the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), is broken down in the body.

If you are taking an antihistamine and you are concerned about the possibility of a false-positive pregnancy test, you should talk to your doctor. They may recommend that you stop taking the antihistamine for a few days before the test.

_Examples of antihistamines that may cause false-positive pregnancy tests include:_

* Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

* Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine)

* Compoz (diphenhydramine)

* Nytol (diphenhydramine)

* Phenergan (promethazine)

* Tylenol PM (diphenhydramine)

* Unisom SleepGels (diphenhydramine)

Decongestants

Decongestants are used to relieve nasal congestion. They work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages, which reduces swelling and mucus production.

Some decongestants can cause false-negative pregnancy tests. This is thought to be because they can interfere with the production of hCG.

If you are taking a decongestant and you are concerned about the possibility of a false-negative pregnancy test, you should talk to your doctor. They may recommend that you stop taking the decongestant for a few days before the test.

_Examples of decongestants that may cause false-negative pregnancy tests include:_

* Afrin (oxymetazoline)

* Neo-Synephrine (phenylephrine)

* Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)

* Vicks Sinex (phenylephrine)

Other Medications

Some other medications can also interfere with pregnancy tests, causing either false-positive or false-negative results.

These medications include:

* Birth control pills

* Cancer treatments

* Diuretics

* Fertility drugs

* Hormone replacement therapy

* Opioid painkillers

* Sedatives

* Tranquilizers

If you are taking any medications and you are concerned about the possibility of a false pregnancy test result, you should talk to your doctor. They can tell you whether the medication you are taking is likely to interfere with the test.

Conclusion

Cold medicines can affect pregnancy tests, but the specific effects can vary depending on the type of medication. Some cold medicines, such as antihistamines, can cause false-positive pregnancy tests, while others, such as decongestants, can cause false-negative pregnancy tests.

If you are taking any cold medications and you are concerned about the possibility of a false pregnancy test result, you should talk to your doctor.