Hydroxyzine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Atarax, Hyzine, Rezine, Vistaril, Vistazine

Hydroxyzine Pregnancy Warnings

Use is contraindicated.

US FDA pregnancy category: Not Assigned.

Risk Summary: There are limited data available on use of this drug in early pregnancy to inform of a drug-related risk.

Comments:
-Some authorities state that use is contraindicated during early pregnancy.
-This drug crosses the placental barrier, which may lead to higher fetal than maternal concentrations.
-If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential harm to the fetus.
-Reports in neonates exposed during late pregnancy and/or labor and delivery included central nervous system (CNS) depression, clonic movements, extrapyramidal symptoms, hypotension, movement disorders, neonatal hypoxic conditions, and/or urinary retention.

Animal studies have revealed evidence of fetal abnormalities at doses substantially above the human therapeutic range. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D and X are being phased out.

See references

Hydroxyzine Breastfeeding Warnings

Use is not recommended, and a decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Excreted into human milk: Yes (cetirizine [main metabolite]); Unknown (parent drug)
Excreted into animal milk: No data (parent drug)

Comments:
-Some authorities state that use is contraindicated.
-This drug may be excreted into breast milk.
-Serious side effects have been reported in breastfed newborns/infants.
-Some experts state that healthcare providers should consider switching treatment to alternative agents (e.g., desloratadine, fexofenadine, loratadine), especially in breastfed newborn or preterm infants.

See references

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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