Antihistamines

Question 1

Cyclizine

Answer 1

Pregnancy: Safe but avoid close to delivery. Many of these antihistamines have been used extensively in pregnancy as antiemetics and in treatment of allergic disorders without evidence of fetal adverse effects.

Breastfeeding: Limited data but short-term use appears safe. Sedation of mother is main concern.

Question 2

Cyproheptadine

Answer 2

Pregnancy: Safe to use. Many of these antihistamines have been used extensively in pregnancy as antiemetics and in treatment of allergic disorders without evidence of fetal adverse effects.

Breastfeeding: Limited data but short-term use appears safe. Sedation of mother is main concern.

Question 3

Dexchlorpheniramine

Answer 3

Pregnancy: Safe to use. Many of these antihistamines have been used extensively in pregnancy as antiemetics and in treatment of allergic disorders without evidence of fetal adverse effects.

Breastfeeding: Limited data but short-term use appears safe. Sedation of mother is main concern.

Question 4

Diphenhydramine

Answer 4

Pregnancy: Safe to use. Many of these antihistamines have been used extensively in pregnancy as antiemetics and in treatment of allergic disorders without evidence of fetal adverse effects.

Breastfeeding: Limited data but short-term use appears safe. Sedation of mother is main concern.

Question 5

Doxylamine

Answer 5

Pregnancy: Safe to use. Many of these antihistamines have been used extensively in pregnancy as antiemetics and in treatment of allergic disorders without evidence of fetal adverse effects.

Breastfeeding: Limited data but short-term use appears safe. Sedation of mother is main concern.

Question 6

Promethazine

Answer 6

Pregnancy: Safe to use. Avoid close to delivery. Many of these antihistamines have been used extensively in pregnancy as antiemetics and in treatment of allergic disorders without evidence of fetal adverse effects.

Breastfeeding: Limited data but short-term use appears safe. Sedation of mother is main concern.

Question 7

Cinnarizine with dimenhydrinate

Answer 7

Pregnancy: No human data for cinnarizine; manufacturer does not recommend use.

Breastfeeding: Manufacturer does not recommend use.

Question 8

Bilastine

Answer 8

Pregnancy
Cetirizine, desloratadine, fexofenadine and loratadine are safe to use although there is more experience with older sedating antihistamines. Avoid using bilastine (limited data).

Breastfeeding
Cetirizine, desloratadine, fexofenadine and loratadine are safe to use. Avoid using bilastine (no human data).

Question 9

Cetirizine

Answer 9

Pregnancy: Safe more data with sedating antihistamines

Breastfeeding: Safe to use

Question 10

Desloratadine

Answer 10

Pregnancy: Safe more data with sedating antihistamines

Breastfeeding: Safe to use

Question 11

Fexofenadine

Answer 11

Pregnancy: Safe more data with sedating antihistamines

Breastfeeding: Safe to use

Question 12

Loratadine

Answer 12

Pregnancy: Safe to use. More data with sedating antihistamines

Breastfeeding: Safe to use