Can hydroxyzine affect the baby?

Understanding Hydroxyzine and Its Effects on Infants
Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine commonly prescribed for anxiety, allergies, and nausea. However, its use during pregnancy raises important questions regarding its safety for the developing fetus and newborns.
Potential Risks During Pregnancy
Recent studies have highlighted potential risks associated with hydroxyzine use in late pregnancy. Notably, there have been reports of neonatal withdrawal syndrome linked to maternal hydroxyzine treatment. In one case, a mother taking 150 mg per day experienced complications that were confirmed through measurements of hydroxyzine levels in the newborn. This suggests that significant doses of the medication can lead to adverse effects in infants, particularly if taken in the later stages of pregnancy.
The FDA has classified hydroxyzine as Category N, meaning it has not been classified for safety during pregnancy. This lack of classification indicates that there is insufficient data to definitively state whether hydroxyzine is safe or harmful for pregnant women and their babies. Therefore, healthcare providers often recommend caution and thorough discussion before prescribing this medication to pregnant patients.
Effects on Breastfeeding Infants
When it comes to breastfeeding, the implications of hydroxyzine use are somewhat different. Research indicates that small occasional doses of hydroxyzine are unlikely to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. However, larger doses or prolonged use could lead to drowsiness in the infant or even decrease the mother’s milk supply, especially if combined with other medications that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.
Conclusion
In summary, while hydroxyzine can be effective for treating various conditions, its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be approached with caution. The potential for neonatal withdrawal syndrome and other adverse effects necessitates a careful evaluation of risks versus benefits by healthcare providers. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should always consult their healthcare professionals before starting or continuing hydroxyzine to ensure the safety of both themselves and their babies.

What can I take for anxiety while pregnant?

SSRIs usually are an option during pregnancy. These include citalopram (Celexa), sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac).

Is hydroxyzine used for autism?

It is most effective in the management of very apprehensive, excited, agitated, and emotionally disturbed children. Additional indications for use of hydroxyzine include hyperactivity, autism, and severe behavioral problems. Hydroxyzine hydrochloride is available as a syrup in 10 mg/5 mL (1 teaspoon).

Who should avoid hydroxyzine?

Your doctor will probably tell you not to take hydroxyzine. tell your doctor if anyone in your family has or has ever had a prolonged QT interval or if you have or have ever had a slow or irregular heartbeat, low blood levels of potassium or magnesium, heart failure, a heart attack, or heart disease.

What is bad about hydroxyzine?

This drug can often cause excitement in young children instead of drowsiness. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation, trouble urinating or QT prolongation (see above). Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of falling.

Is hydroxyzine just Benadryl?

Hydroxyzine and Benadryl are not the same medication. Although both are part of the same class of antihistamines, they differ in their active ingredients, potential uses, and costs. Hydroxyzine is a generic prescription drug, while Benadryl is a brand-name OTC drug.

What are the side effects of hydroxyzine nursing?

• Nursing mothers.
• May cause CNS depression resulting in drowsiness; avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery.
• May cause over-sedation and confusion in elderly patients; start on lower doses and monitor closely; avoid use.
• Intramuscular (IM) only for parenteral use; switch to oral as soon as possible.

How does hydroxyzine affect the fetus?

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine used to treat allergies and manage anxiety. There is not enough research in humans during pregnancy to say it is risk-free. Animal studies show that hydroxyzine increases the risk of congenital disorders when taken in early pregnancy, and there are known risks when taken during labor.

Is hydroxyzine safe for babies?

There is no minimum age restriction for its use in pediatrics. The lack of pediatric safety studies on hydroxyzine together with its frequent use in infants and toddlers, and animal studies suggesting a crucial function of histamine as neurotransmitter, prompted us to investigate hydroxyzine’s safety.

Is it safe to take hydroxyzine while breastfeeding?

Hydroxyzine. There is no published evidence regarding breast milk levels. Based on its pharmacokinetic properties it is likely to be found in breastmilk in small amounts. Hydroxyzine has been reported to cause adverse reactions in some infants, when exposed via milk, primarily sedation.

Can hydroxyzine be harmful?

You might feel dizzy or faint, or you might have a fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat. Make sure your doctor knows if you or anyone in your family has ever had a heart rhythm problem such as QT prolongation. This medicine may cause a serious skin condition called acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP).