What drugs are known to harm an unborn child?

Illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine aren’t the only drugs that are harmful to fetal development; Commonly used over-the-counter medicines, along with substances such as caffeine and alcohol, can have lasting effects on an unborn child.

Which drug should not be administered to a pregnant woman?

Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) Herbs, minerals, amino acids, and regular vitamins. Isotretinoin (formerly sold as Accutane, now Absorica, Amnesteem, Claravis, Myorisan, Zenatane) taken for acne. Thalidomide (Thalomid) taken for a type of skin disease and multiple myeloma.

What drugs do not cross the placenta?

DRUGS WHICH DO NOT CROSS THE PLACENTA

• All paralytics.
• Glycopyrrolate.
• Insulin.
• Heparin.

Which antibiotics can cause miscarriage?

Many classes of commonly prescribed antibiotics, including macrolides, quinolones, tetracyclines and sulfonamides may be associated with an increased risk of miscarriage during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, a Canadian research study has concluded.

Why can a drug be toxic to a fetus without hurting the mother?

Drugs taken by a pregnant woman reach the fetus primarily by crossing the placenta, the same route taken by oxygen and nutrients, which are needed for the fetus’s growth and development. However, drugs that do not cross the placenta may still harm the fetus by affecting the uterus or the placenta.

What harmful substances can cross the placenta?

Tobacco, alcohol and drugs can have harmful effects on anyone’s health. When a pregnant or nursing woman uses these substances, her baby also is exposed to them, for all substances cross the placenta through the umbilical cord and enter into the baby’s bloodstream.

Which drug can easily pass the placental barrier?

Zofran (ondansetron) has properties that cause it to easily cross the placenta in substantial amounts. Just for example, it has great lipid solubility, low molecular weight (365.9 daltons), and a measured in vitro plasma protein binding of 70\% to 76\%.

Will MIdol hurt pregnancy?

MIdol Cramps & Bodyaches and Pregnancy This medication may be given to a pregnant woman if her healthcare provider believes that its benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh any possible risks to her unborn baby. In addition, ibuprofen is known to cause heart defects on the developing fetus.

Can I take ibuprofen at 38 weeks pregnant?

Pregnant women are advised to avoid ibuprofen during pregnancy, especially if they’re 30 or more weeks pregnant. Taking the medication at 30 weeks and beyond could cause premature closing of a baby’s ductus arteriosus.

Can a Zpack cause a miscarriage?

One of the most common antibiotics in the U.S. market is azithromycin, commonly referred to as a Z-Pak®. When azithromycin was prescribed during pregnancy, researchers saw a 65 percent increase in the risk of miscarriage.

What drugs can cause birth defects during pregnancy?

Certain drugs such as alcohol, some illegal drugs, and some prescription and over-the-counter medications are known to cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Drugs that can cause birth defects are called ‘teratogens’. A teratogen is a substance that interferes with the normal development of a fetus. Risk factors for birth defects

What medications should you not take during pregnancy?

Medications You Should Avoid During Pregnancy 1 Chloramphenicol. 2 Primaquine. 3 Sulfonamides. 4 Trimethoprim (Primsol) Trimethoprim (Primsol) is a type of antibiotic. 5 Codeine. 6 Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) Most experts agree that ibuprofen is probably safe to use in small to moderate doses in early pregnancy.

How does exposure to teratogenic drugs affect a fetus?

Medical science cannot always predict how exposure to a teratogenic drug will affect a fetus. The potential for harm depends on a range of factors including: other factors, such as maternal diet or illness. The risk of a birth defect for any baby is about four per cent, regardless of the circumstances during pregnancy.

Is it safe to use prescription drugs during pregnancy?

There is positive evidence of human fetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk (e.g., if the drug is needed in a life-threatening situation or for a serious disease in which safer drugs cannot be used or are ineffective).