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Excerpt
Boyle RJ: Effects of certain prenatal drugs on the fetus and newborn. Pediatr Rev 2002;23(1):17–23.
Prescription, over-the-counter, and recreational drugs are available to pregnant women, and the Food and Drug Administration hasn’t evaluated many of these drugs for safety during pregnancy. This article uses case reports, epidemiologic surveys, and animal studies to review seven agents used by pregnant women: alcohol consumption, smoking, anticonvulsants, isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid), lithium, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and anticoagulants.
Patients shouldn’t use recreational drugs during pregnancy; however, they may need certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs to maintain their health. When a pregnant woman takes a drug, timing impacts risks and effects. For example, ACE inhibitor use during the second and third trimester appear to cause malformations and physiologic disturbances in infants. Warfarin (Coumadin) crosses the placenta, causing teratogenic and fetal effects. Heparin, however, doesn’t cross the placenta or cause teratogenic fetal effects. This article discusses pharmacologic options and considerations for women taking drugs during pregnancy.
