Medications and Drugs to Avoid During Pregnancy

Introduction

Pregnancy is a crucial and sensitive period in a woman’s life, requiring special care and precautions to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the developing baby. Among the precautions to take, avoiding certain medications and drugs is essential. In this article, we will discuss a comprehensive list of medications and drugs that should be avoided during pregnancy. It is important to note that this information is not a substitute for medical advice, and consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial for personalized guidance.

Understanding Medications to Avoid

During pregnancy, it is important to be cautious about the medications and drugs ingested due to their potential adverse effects on the developing fetus. Here are some medications and drugs that should be avoided:

• Cortisol and prednisolone: These corticosteroids, if used later in pregnancy, may result in adrenal hormone insufficiency and can slow development and increase the risk of infection.
• Dexamphetamine: This slimming agent can cause cardiac abnormalities in the baby when consumed during pregnancy.
• Diazepam: is an anti-anxiety medication that, in large quantities during late pregnancy, can lead to a drop in body temperature and physical weakness in the newborn.
• Dihydrogesterone: This hormone has been associated with the development of masculine traits in female newborns.
• Estrogens: Using estrogens during pregnancy can increase the risk of vaginal cancer in female children and feminization in male children later in life.

Medications and Drugs with Potential Risks

Continuing with the list of medications and drugs to avoid during pregnancy:

• Ethionamide: This anti-tubercular medication has been linked to physical abnormalities in the fetus.
• Furosemide: is a diuretic that should be avoided during pregnancy as it may reduce circulation and potentially lead to fetal death.
• Glibenclamide and tolbutamide: These medications, if used late in pregnancy, can cause persistent hypoglycemia in newborns.
• Hydralazine: This medication can increase the heart rate of newborns.
• Ibuprofen, indomethacin, and other pain relievers: These medications, commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis, may cause physical defects in the baby, such as premature closure of the ductus, if taken early in pregnancy.
• Iodides: Found in cough syrups and used for a healthy thyroid, iodides should be avoided during pregnancy as they can affect newborns’ thyroid function and mental processes.
• Lithium carbonate is an antidepressant that may cause physical abnormalities in the fetus and poor sucking in the infant if taken during the first trimester.
• Methyldopa: This medication can cause hemolytic anemia and reduced intestinal function.
• Morphine: is a powerful pain medication that can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms in premature infants born to addicted mothers.
• Nitrofurantoin: Commonly used for urinary tract infections, it should be avoided during the last few days of pregnancy due to the risk of red blood cell rupture in genetically susceptible individuals.

Continued List of Medications and Drugs to Avoid

Let’s continue with the list of medications and drugs to avoid during pregnancy:

• Oral contraceptives: While used for birth control, if pregnancy occurs, it is important to consult a doctor due to potential risks to the fetus.
• Phenytoin: is an anti-epileptic medication that, if used later in pregnancy, may cause bleeding issues in the newborn.
• Primaquine: is an anti-malaria medication that may cause hemolysis and jaundice in the infant if consumed during pregnancy.
• Propranolol: This medication, used for cardiac conditions and high blood pressure, should be avoided during pregnancy as it can slow down heart rhythm and cause blood sugar drops in newborns.
• Purgatives: Strong purgatives used for constipation can potentially cause abortion.
• Pyrimethamine and quinine: These medications, used for malaria, can induce fetal deformities and impair hearing and visual abilities in children if used during pregnancy.
• Salbutamol: This medication increases the heart rate of newborns.
• Streptomycin: is an anti-tubercular medication that may cause deafness and physical weakness in newborns.
• Sulfonamides: These medications should be avoided in the last days of pregnancy as they can induce jaundice and methemoglobinemia in newborns.
• Tetracyclines are antibiotics: that, if used during pregnancy, can cause tooth discoloration and impair fetal bone development.
• Trimethoprim: This antibiotic, used to treat infections, can raise blood bilirubin levels.
• Valproic acid: This medication can result in spinal cord abnormalities.
• Vitamin A and isotretinoin: Large amounts of vitamin A and isotretinoin should be avoided during pregnancy to prevent developmental abnormalities in the fetus.
• Vitamin D: Extremely high doses of vitamin D can potentially cause mental impairment and bone abnormalities in the fetus.
• Vitamin K: Excessive vitamin K intake during pregnancy may lead to jaundice in the newborn.
• X-ray radiation exposure: X-rays should be avoided during pregnancy, especially in the first six months, as they can induce fetal deformities.

Conclusion

During pregnancy, it is crucial to be cautious about the medications and drugs taken, as they can potentially harm the developing fetus. The list provided in this article outlines several medications and drugs that should be avoided during pregnancy. However, it is important to remember that every pregnancy is unique, and consulting with a healthcare professional is essential for personalized advice and guidance. Only a qualified healthcare provider can assess the individual’s specific situation and provide the most appropriate recommendations to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby.