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The Safety of Histamine 2 (H2) Blockers in Pregnancy: A Meta-analysis

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Abstract

Heartburn and acid reflux increase the severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, and may lead to more serious medical conditions. The fetal safety of histamine 2 (H2) blockers, the most common antireflux medication, during pregnancy needs to be determined. The aim herein is to determine the fetal safety of H2 blockers during pregnancy through systematic review. All original research assessing the safety of H2 blockers in pregnancy was sought. Data included congenital malformations, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and small for gestational age. A random-effects model combined results. With data from 2,398 exposed and 119,892 nonexposed to H2 blockers, overall odds ratio was 1.14 [0.89, 1.45]. Further analysis revealed no increased risks for spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and small for gestational age with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of 0.62 [0.36–1.05], 1.17 [0.94, 1.147], and 0.28 [0.06, 1.22], respectively. H2 blockers can be used safely in pregnancy.

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Acknowledgment

Motherisk NVP helpline is supported by an unrestricted grant from Duchesnay, Inc. Canada. GK is holder of the Research Leadership for Better Pharmacotherapy during Pregnancy and Lactation (Hospital for Sick Children) and the Ivey Chair in Molecular Toxicology (Department of Medicine, University of Western Ontario).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Motherisk Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada

    Simerpal Kaur Gill, Lisa O’Brien & Gideon Koren

  2. Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Simerpal Kaur Gill & Gideon Koren

  3. Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Lisa O’Brien & Gideon Koren

Authors
  1. Simerpal Kaur Gill
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  2. Lisa O’Brien
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  3. Gideon Koren
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Correspondence to Gideon Koren.

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Gill, S.K., O’Brien, L. & Koren, G. The Safety of Histamine 2 (H2) Blockers in Pregnancy: A Meta-analysis. Dig Dis Sci 54, 1835–1838 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-008-0587-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-008-0587-1

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