Hydrochlorothiazide and Pregnancy

In animal studies that looked at hydrochlorothiazide and pregnancy, hydrochlorothiazide did not appear to cause harm to the fetus. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies hydrochlorothiazide as a pregnancy Category B medicine; however, the drug is generally not recommended during pregnancy.

 

Is Hydrochlorothiazide Safe During Pregnancy? -- An Overview

For people who are pregnant, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is generally considered to be safe. This is based on animal studies that looked at the effects of hydrochlorothiazide during pregnancy. However, because the full risks of using hydrochlorothiazide in pregnant women are not known, hydrochlorothiazide is generally not recommended in pregnancy (except in special cases).
 

Hydrochlorothiazide 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 animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do. Therefore, a pregnancy Category B medicine may be given to a pregnant woman if her healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
 

Recommendations for Using Hydrochlorothiazide During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, let your healthcare provider know.
 He or she will consider both the benefits and risks of using hydrochlorothiazide during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;