Hydroxyzine and Pregnancy

Please advise the risks of taking hydroxyzine while pregnant.  If the risks are too great, is there an alternative histamine blocker that has been successful in pregnancy?  Is it best to avoid Hyrdroxyzine or any anti-histamines all together?

[Sandra Y, RPh]

Hydroxyzine is not safe to take during the first trimester. It's classified as pregnancy catergory C in the 2nd and 3rd trimester. This means Hydroxyzine-induced fetal abnormalities at high dosages have been shown in animal studies. Hydroxyzine is sometimes given intermittently during labor or around the time of delivery to relieve anxiety, and is usually considered safe and effective for this purpose.

Claritin or Chlorpheniramine can be administered during pregnancy only when the benefits of therapy outweigh the potential risks to the fetus, and use should be limited to short-term, 'as needed' administration under the prescription of a qualified health-care professional. Non-pharmacologic methods (e.g., fluids, and rest) are recommended to be tried first for symptomatic relief of colds or allergies during pregnancy.