|
The Cochrane Collaboration
Cochrane Reviews |
| Explore | New + Updated | Other languages |
|
 |
Antihistamines versus aspirin for itching in late pregnancyYoung G, Jewell D
Bookmark this:
     more ...
SummaryAntihistamines versus aspirin for itching in late pregnancyA few women get itching towards the end of pregnancy, and it can be so distressing that they sometimes ask for induction of labour. Antihistamines and aspirin are two possible drugs that might be used to alleviate the itching. The review of trials found one study involving 38 women, assessing separately women who had a rash with their itching and those who had no rash. The trial was of poor methodologically but it did identify dramatic improvements for the women, but did not assess any outcomes on the baby. The review found that when there was a rash present with the itching, 93% of women got relief with antistamines compared with 13% getting relief with aspirin. When there was no rash present, 95% of women got relief with aspirin compared with none getting any relief with antihistamines. These results suggest that antihistamines are effective when there is a rash and aspirin is effective when there is no rash. However, these findings need confirmation in a well designed randomised trial and safety for the baby needs to be assessed.
This is a Cochrane review abstract and plain language summary, prepared and maintained by The Cochrane Collaboration, currently published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010 Issue 1, Copyright © 2010 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.. The full text of the review is available in The Cochrane Library (ISSN 1464-780X).
This version first published online:
January 20. 1997 AbstractBackgroundWhile not common, itching in pregnancy (not due to liver disease) can be distressing. ObjectivesThe objective of this review was to assess the effects of treatment for itching in late pregnancy. Search strategyWe searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register (January 2007). Selection criteriaRandomised trials of treatments for itching in women in late pregnancy with normal liver function. Data collection and analysisTwo review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Main resultsOne study of 38 women was included. This was a small crossover trial, using alternate allocation. The trial compared a histamine, chlorpheniramine, with aspirin. Aspirin was more effective than chlorpheniramine in relieving itching (odds ratio 2.39, 95% confidence interval 1.25 to 4.57). However, chlorpheniramine was more effective than aspirin when a rash was present. Authors' conclusionsAspirin appears to be more effective than chlorpheniramine for relief of itching in pregnancy when no rash is present. If there is a rash, chlorpheniramine may be more effective. |