Drugs during pregnancy, dangerous
Drugs during pregnancy, dangerous: 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:
benazepril (LOTENSIN),
captopril (CAPOTEN),
enalapril (VASOTEC),
fosinopril sodium (MONOPRIL),
lisinopril (ZESTRIL, PRINIVIL),
lisinopril + hydrochlorothiazide (ZESTORETIC, PRINZIDE),
quinapril (ACCUPRIL) and
ramipril (ALTACE).
Acne medication isotretinoin (ACCUTANE, RETIN-A).
Alcohol ingested chronically or in binges.
Androgens (male hormones).
Antibiotics tetracycline (ACHROMYCIN), and doxycycline (VIBRAMYCIN), and streptomycin.
Anticoagulant (blood-thinner) warfarin (COUMADIN).
Anticonvulsants (seizure medications) such as:
phenytoin (DILATIN),
valproic acid (DEPAKENE, VALPROTATE),
trimethadione (TRIDIONE),
paramethadione (PARADIONE), and
carbamazepine (TEGRETOL).
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:
thiouracil/propylthiouracil and
carbimazole/methimazole.
Cocaine.
DES (diethylstilbestrol), a hormone.
Thalidomide (THALOMID) which was approved by the FDA for the treatment of a complication of leprosy (erythema nodosum leprosum).
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