Librium and Pregnancy

In animal studies involving Librium and pregnancy, the medication was shown to increase the risk of birth defects and low birth weight. As a result, the FDA has classified Librium as a pregnancy Category D medication, meaning that the drug is generally considered unsafe for pregnant women. However, a doctor may still prescribe Librium during pregnancy if the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh the possible risks to the unborn child.

 

An Overview of Librium and Pregnancy

Librium® (chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride) is generally considered unsafe for use during pregnancy. Librium is part of a group of medications known as benzodiazepines. Studies have shown that many benzodiazepines (including Librium) may cause problems when used during pregnancy.
 

Librium and Pregnancy Category D

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category D is assigned to medicines that have shown clear evidence of risk to the fetus in studies. Pregnancy Category D is a stronger warning than a pregnancy Category C classification. However, a pregnancy Category D medicine may still be given to a pregnant woman if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the woman outweigh the possible risks to the unborn child.
 
Librium was given a pregnancy Category D rating because it is a benzodiazepine and has caused problems in animal and human studies. When Librium was given to pregnant rats, it increased the risk of birth defects and low birth weight. In humans, some studies have suggested that Librium increases the risk of birth defects, including brain defects. However, other studies have shown little or no risk due to Librium. There have also been reports of Librium withdrawal symptoms (such as shakiness and irritability) in newborn infants.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;