Pregnancy, dangerous drugs during
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.</P> Drugs that are capable of acting as teratogens include:</P> > >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).</LI></UL> >Acne medication isotretinoin (ACCUTANE, RETIN-A).
>Alcohol -- increases the risk of a stillbirth and the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
>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).</LI></UL> >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.</LI></UL> >Cocaine.
>DES (diethylstilbestrol), a hormone.
>Thalidomide (THALOMID) which was approved by the FDA for the treatment of a complication of leprosy (erythema nodosum leprosum).</LI></UL>