hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine is used to relieve itching caused by allergic skin reactions, to relieve anxiety and tension, and as a sedative before and after general anesthesia for surgery. Hydroxyzine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. It also works by decreasing activity in the brain.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Decisions about medication use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking hydroxyzine affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
Studies have not been done to see if taking hydroxyzine can make it harder to get pregnant. If you have questions about hydroxyzine and fertility, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Does taking hydroxyzine increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons. In one study of 100 women taking hydroxyzine during pregnancy, an increased chance of miscarriage was not reported, though animal studies using high doses (more than typically given to humans) were associated with an increased chance of miscarriage. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh this information in your specific situation.
Does taking hydroxyzine increase the risk of birth defects?
Birth defects occur in about 3 out of 100 babies in the general population for various reasons. In studies involving over 200 women who used hydroxyzine throughout pregnancy, no increase in birth defects was reported. Discuss any concerns about birth defects with your healthcare provider.
Can taking hydroxyzine during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
It is not known whether hydroxyzine alone increases the chance of preterm delivery or low birth weight. There have also been rare reports of temporary withdrawal-like symptoms in newborns (such as a seizure in one case, and jitteriness, jerking movements, and feeding problems in another) when mothers used hydroxyzine in the weeks leading up to delivery. Letting your healthcare providers know you are taking hydroxyzine helps them monitor and care for your baby if any symptoms occur.
Can taking hydroxyzine during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
According to the fact sheet, studies have not been done to see if hydroxyzine can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child. Your healthcare provider can talk with you about what is and isn't known.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking hydroxyzine?
It is not known if hydroxyzine passes into breast milk. Occasional doses are not expected to cause side effects in a breastfed infant, but larger doses or long-term use might increase the chance of side effects such as drowsiness, irritability, or lower milk supply, and there are reports of irritability and drowsiness in exposed infants. The product label recommends against use while breastfeeding, though the benefits may outweigh possible risks in some cases—your healthcare provider can help you decide what is best for you and your baby.
Source: National Library of Medicine
hydroxyzine