What pregnancy category is cetirizine?
Safety of Over-the-Counter Antihistamines, Decongestants, and Expectorants in Pregnancy
| Medication | Drug class | Pregnancy risk category* |
|---|---|---|
| Cetirizine (Zyrtec) | Second-generation (selective, nonsedating) antihistamine | B |
| Loratadine (Claritin) | Second-generation (selective, nonsedating) antihistamine | B |
Does cetirizine cause birth defects?
It is mainly during this time that some medicines are known to cause birth defects. There is no evidence that pregnant women taking cetirizine have a higher chance of having a baby with a birth defect.
Which antihistamine is safe in pregnancy?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) have recommended chlorpheniramine and tripelennamine as the antihistamines of choice for pregnant women.
Is cetirizine safe in second trimester?
Second-generation antihistamines, such as cetirizine (CTZ) and loratadine, are considered safe in pregnancy and are not associated with an increased risk for major congenital malformations (Li et al.
Is cetirizine safe in third trimester?
Could taking cetirizine in the second or third trimester cause other pregnancy complications? Cetirizine is unlikely to cause other pregnancy complications. Studies on a small number of pregnancies did not find a higher chance for birth defects, preterm delivery (having the baby before 37 weeks), or low birth weight.
What is a Category B drugs during pregnancy?
Category B: Either animal-reproduction studies have not demonstrated a fetal risk but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women, or animal studies have demonstrated risk to the fetus that was not confirmed in controlled studies in pregnant women in the first trimester and there is no evidence of a risk in later …
Why is cetirizine contraindicated in pregnancy?
Cetirizine Pregnancy Warnings Studies in animals are inadequate or may be lacking, but available data show no evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage. This drug should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.