Consider all fertile females pregnant until proven otherwise especially before prescribing any drug from the list below. Check all drugs in BNF.
About
Drugs considered acceptable
Known Drugs to avoid (All should be checked in BNF)
Table of unsafe drugs and potential effects
Name
Advice
Lithium
Cardiac problems
Warfarin
Skeletal issues of long bones. Heparin is preferred
Sodium valproate
Neural tube defects
Retinoids
Neural tube defects, Miscarriage
Antithyroid drugs e.g. Carbimazole
Neonatal goitre (can affect or obstruct labour)
Gentamicin
Nerve deafness in newborns
Alcohol
Teratogenic, fetal alcohol syndrome, stillbirth
ACEI/AT2 Blockers
Growth retardation, birth defects
Live-virus vaccines
Should not be given to women who are or may be pregnant
Thalidomide
Limb deformity
Diethylstilbestrol
Teenage Vaginal/Cervical cancer
Phenytoin
Facial fusion problems and cleft lip and palatal issues. Needs Specialist neurology assessment
Valproate
Teratogenic - needs Specialist neurology assessment
Methotrexate
Birth defects
Chloramphenicol
Grey baby syndrome
Isoniazid
Peripheral neuropathy and seizures
Radioactive Iodine
Fetal hypothyroidism and Cretinism
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER:The contents are under continuing development and improvements and despite all efforts may contain errors of omission or fact. This is not to be used for the assessment, diagnosis or management of patients. It should not be regarded as medical advice by healthcare workers or laypeople. It is for educational purposes only. Please adhere to your local protocols. Use the BNF for drug information. If you are unwell please seek urgent healthcare advice. If you do not accept this then please do not use the website. Makindo Ltd |
Prescribing in Pregnancy
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