Drugs

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Drugs other than alcohol can have more profound effects on a pregnancy. The use of illegal drugs in general is associated with low birth weight which can cause mental and/or physical handicap.

Drugs to avoid during pregnancy

Absolute risk Relative risk
Cytotoxic

Busulphan, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate

Vitamin A anologues

Etretinate, isotretinoin

Thalidomide
Cardiovascular drugs

Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitorsLosartan, amiodarone

Antibiotics

Ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol (3rd trimester), vancomycin, trimethroprim (1st trimester)

Antifungal drugs

Griseofulvin, ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, terbinafine

Anti-inflammatory drugs

NSAIDs (3rd trimester), COX-2 inhibitors, colchicine

Endocrinological drugs

Chlorpropamide, sulphonylureasRadioactive iodine, sex hormones, Octreotide

Antihelminthic drugs

Mebendazole
Cytotoxic

Azathioprine

Psychotropic drugs

Antipsychotic drugs – lithium

Anticoagulants

Warfarin

Anticonvulsants

Carbamazepine, phenytoin, sodium valporate, Lamotrigine, Felbamate, Gabapentin, Oxcarbazepine, Tiagabine, Topiramate, Vigabatrin

Endocrinological drugs

Carbimazole, propyltiouracil

Cardiovascular drugs

Beta-blockers

Antibiotics

Aminoglycosides, nitrofurantoin (3rd trimester)

Where to get advice about drugs in pregnancy

Teratogen Information Services
United Kingdom
  • National Teratology Information Service (NTIS) Newcastle (191) 232 1525
United States
  • Organization of Teratology Information Services
  • Utah (801) 328-2229 (for referral to nearest service)
  • otispregnancy.org/
Canada
Getting help
If you wish to make an appointment to seek further advice and or treatment, please email Dr Harrington's secretary.