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H2 Blockers and Pregnancy

In previous animal studies that looked at H2 blockers and pregnancy, the drugs did not appear to cause harm to the fetus. However, the full risks of taking H2 blockers during pregnancy are not known. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant and have been prescribed an H2 blocker.

An Overview of H2 Blockers and Pregnancy

For people who are pregnant, H2 blockers are generally considered safe. This is based on previous animal studies involving H2 blockers and pregnancy.
 

H2 Blockers and Pregnancy Category B

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a pregnancy category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category B is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans but do not appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies.
 
However, it is important to note that the full risks of using H2 blockers during pregnancy are not known. Therefore, a pregnancy Category B medicine should be given to pregnant women only if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
 

A Summary of H2 Blockers and Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant and have been prescribed an H2 blocker, let your healthcare provider know.
 Your healthcare provider will consider both the benefits and risks of H2 blockers during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation.
 
(Click Heartburn and Pregnancy for more information on heartburn during pregnancy.)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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