Neonatal seizures associated with maternal hydroxyzine hydrochloride in late pregnancy

Abstract

This is the first report of a neonatal withdrawal syndrome associated with maternal hydroxyzine treatment (150 mg/day) confirmed by measurements of hydroxyzine plasma concentrations in the mother and infant after birth. Hydroxyzine plasma concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Neurological symptoms with low neonatal concentrations of hydroxyzine may be due to a withdrawal syndrome. According to previous observations and this case report, clinicians should be warned of this possible rare neurological complication of hydroxyzine in neonates born from long term treated mothers.