Drugs in pregnancy
Drugs in Pregnancy
Drugs in Pregnancy (pronunciation: /drʌgz ɪn ˈprɛgnənsi/) refers to the use of pharmaceutical drugs during the period of pregnancy. The term is derived from the English words "drugs" (from Old French "drogue", possibly derived from Middle Dutch "droge-vate" meaning "dry barrels") and "pregnancy" (from Latin "praegnantem" meaning "with child").
Introduction
The use of drugs during pregnancy can have significant effects on the fetus. These effects can range from minor to severe, depending on the type of drug, the dosage, and the stage of pregnancy during which the drug is taken. Some drugs are considered safe for use during pregnancy, while others are known to cause birth defects or other complications.
Classification of Drugs in Pregnancy
Drugs used during pregnancy are classified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) into five categories (A, B, C, D, and X) based on their potential risks to the fetus.
- Category A: Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
- Category B: Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
- Category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
- Category D: There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
- Category X: Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
Related Terms
- Teratogen: Any agent that can disturb the development of an embryo or fetus.
- Pharmacokinetics: The study of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted by the body.
- Pharmacodynamics: The study of the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs and their mechanisms of action.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Drugs in pregnancy
- Wikipedia's article - Drugs in pregnancy
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