Pregnancy and Antihistamine Use

Safety of Antihistamines During Pregnancy

• Hydroxyzine has been associated with neonatal withdrawal symptoms including tremors, irritability, hyperactivity, jitteriness, shrill cry, myoclonic jerks, hypotonia, increased respiratory and heart rates, feeding problems, and clonic movements 1
• Chlorpheniramine is considered safer during pregnancy with an excellent safety record and no significant increase in congenital malformations, and second-generation antihistamines like loratadine and cetirizine have demonstrated safety through large birth registries 2

Management of Hydroxyzine Use in Pregnancy

• If hydroxyzine was used in the third trimester, newborns should be observed for 48-72 hours after birth for signs of withdrawal 2
• Inform pediatricians about maternal hydroxyzine use so they can monitor the newborn appropriately 2