Definition of Pregnancy, dangerous drugs during
Pregnancy, dangerous drugs during: A teratogen is an agent that can disturb
the development of the embryo or fetus. Teratogens halt the pregnancy or produce a
congenital malformation (a birth defect). Classes of teratogens include radiation,
maternal infections, chemicals, and drugs.
Drugs that are capable of acting as teratogens include:
- ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors such as:
- Acne medication isotretinoin (ACCUTANE, RETIN-A).
- Alcohol -- increases the risk of a stillbirth and the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
- Androgens (male hormones).
- Antibiotics tetracycline
(ACHROMYCIN), and
doxycycline (VIBRAMYCIN), and
streptomycin.
- Anticoagulant (blood-thinner) warfarin (COUMADIN).
- Anticonvulsants (seizure medications) such as:
- Anti-depressant drug lithium
(ESKALITH, LITHOB).
- Antimetabolite/anticancer drugs methotrexate (RHEUMATREX) and
aminopterin.
- Antirheumatic agent and metal-binder (chelator) penicillamine (CIPRIMENE, DEPEN).
- Antithyroid drugs such as:
- Cocaine.
- DES (diethylstilbestrol), a hormone.
- Thalidomide (THALOMID) which was approved by the FDA for the treatment of a complication of leprosy (erythema nodosum leprosum).
Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012
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