Can Xyzal be taken during pregnancy?

Can Xyzal Be Taken During Pregnancy?
Xyzal, known generically as levocetirizine, is an antihistamine commonly used to relieve allergy symptoms. However, its use during pregnancy raises important considerations for expectant mothers.
Safety Profile and FDA Classification
Levocetirizine is classified as a Category B medication by the FDA, indicating that there are no proven risks to humans based on available studies. This classification suggests that while animal studies have not shown harm, there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, the use of Xyzal during pregnancy should be approached with caution.
When Is It Necessary?
Medical professionals generally advise that Xyzal should only be used during pregnancy when absolutely necessary. This is particularly relevant for women who may have severe allergy symptoms that could impact their health or the health of their baby. The decision to use Xyzal should involve a thorough discussion with a healthcare provider, weighing the benefits against potential risks.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While Xyzal is not expected to harm a fetus, it is crucial for pregnant women to inform their doctors if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while taking this medication. The lack of extensive human studies means that the long-term effects on fetal development remain uncertain. Additionally, Xyzal can pass into breast milk, which may pose risks to nursing infants, further complicating its use during pregnancy.
Conclusion
In summary, while Xyzal is categorized as a relatively safe option for allergy relief during pregnancy, it should only be taken when necessary and under medical supervision. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare providers to ensure that their allergy management plan is safe for both them and their developing baby.

Is Xyzal safe in pregnancy?

Levocetirizine Pregnancy Warnings
This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Animal studies have failed to reveal evidence of fetal harm and teratogenicity. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

Is levocetirizine safe in the first trimester of pregnancy?

Is Levocetirizine safe during pregnancy? Levocetirizine should not be used during pregnancy if not needed. This medication comes under the US FDA pregnancy category: B. No scientific evidence has confirmed that levocetirizine causes fetal disturbance or malformation, or halts the pregnancy.

What allergy medicine is safe during pregnancy?

Newer antihistamines, such as cetirizine and loratadine, also may be safe. There also is a corticosteroid nasal spray that is safe to use during pregnancy. But one of the most common decongestants, pseudoephedrine, has been linked to a small risk of abdominal wall birth defects.

Who should not take Xyzal?

You should not use Xyzal if you are allergic to levocetirizine or cetirizine (Zyrtec). You should not take Xyzal if you have end-stage kidney disease or if you are on dialysis. Any child younger than 12 years old with kidney disease should not take levocetirizine.

Are Zyrtec and Xyzal the same thing?

Since both medications have a common core chemical structure, Zyrtec and Xyzal generally have the same level of effectiveness, onset of action, and range of allergy symptoms treated. Xyzal is slightly less drowsy, so if drowsiness is an issue with your allergy medicine, Xyzal is better than Zyrtec.

Is Xyzal stronger than Claritin?

One meta-analysis looked at several studies comparing Xyzal and Claritin for allergic rhinitis and found Xyzal to be significantly better than Claritin in relieving allergic symptoms. When looking at treating hives, one study found Xyzal to be more effective and have fewer side effects than Claritin.

Can I take Benadryl while pregnant?

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a safe allergy medication to take during pregnancy. It belongs to a class of medications called antihistamines. Benadryl can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or weakness. These can raise your risk of falling or accidentally hurting yourself during pregnancy.

Can you stop Xyzal cold turkey?

A number of readers say they experienced unrelenting itching after stopping levocetirizine (Xyzal) or cetirizine (Zyrtec). Q: I took Xyzal nightly for months and noticed my weight creeping up, so I stopped cold turkey. Within 48 hours, my whole body started itching.

Can Xyzal decrease milk supply?

High doses of sedating antihistamines have been reported by mothers to decrease milk production, but there is no scientific proof this occurs. Some allergy medications may have both an antihistamine and a decongestant in them.