Antihistamines versus aspirin for itching in late pregnancy.
BACKGROUND: While not common, itching in pregnancy (not due to liver disease) can be distressing. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of treatment for itching in late pregnancy. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register. In addition, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CENTRAL/CCTR) was searched. Date of last search: April 1999. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials of treatments for itching in women in late pregnancy with normal liver function. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Trial quality was assessed and data were extracted independently by two reviewers. MAIN RESULTS: One 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. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Aspirin 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.