Is Vicks VapoRub safe during pregnancy?
The label says to ask a health professional if pregnant or breastfeeding. Never heat it, put it in nostrils, or use it on the breast.
What the sources say
Vicks VapoRub contains camphor 4.8%, eucalyptus oil 1.2% and menthol 2.63%. Its label says: if pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use; do not use by mouth, in nostrils, on wounds or damaged skin, or with tight bandages; do not heat, microwave, or add to hot water; not for children under 2. MotherToBaby has no fact sheet on these rubs, so ask your clinician. A humidifier uses only water (MotherToBaby).
Also listed as
camphor, camphor rub, chest rub, eucalyptus oil rub, menthol rub, mentholatum, vapor rub, vaporub, vicks
Sources
- NIH: DailyMed: Vicks VapoRub label
- MotherToBaby: When The Sniffles Strike During Pregnancy: Cold Meds & Your Questions Answered
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.