Pregnant women should always see their doctor before taking any medication. Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications are included in this. Some medications must be avoided at all costs. Others — the red flags — may need a discussion between your doctor and you to determine the best course of action for you and your baby. Here’s a simple primer:
Avoid:
- Ibuprofen – unless your doctor has expressly ordered it Aspirin (Motrin, Advil)
- Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, as well as common herbs and herbs
- An anti-acne medication known as Isotretinoin (previously known as Accutane but currently offered under the brand names of Absorica, Amnesteem, Claravis, Myorisan&Zenatane)
- Taken for a form of skin condition and for multiple myeloma (Thalidomide).
Levifloxacin (Lev) and Ciprofloxacin (Cipro).
Bacteria-killing medications Cipro and levofloxacin are also antibiotics. These medications may harm the baby’s muscular and skeletal development, as well as the mother’s joints and nerves.
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, are the class in which these two drugs fall.
Fluoroquinolones have been linked to an increased risk of aortic rips and rupturesReliable Source. Hemorrhaging from this may be fatal. Side effects may be more likely to occur in those with a history of aneurysms or other cardiac conditions.
Taking fluoroquinolones during pregnancy may also raise the risk of miscarriage, according to a research published in 2017.
Primaquine
Malaria medicine primaquine is used to treat the disease. Animal studies show that this medicine may damage embryos in the womb, but there isn’t a lot of evidence on pregnant women using it. It may harm the fetus’s blood cells.
Sulfonamides
sulfonamide antibiotics are a class of drugs. Sulfa medicines are another name for them.
The vast majority of these medications are used to treat or prevent illnesses caused by bacteria. Newborns may develop jaundice as a result of their exposure to these toxins. Sulfonamides have been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage in pregnant women.
Trimethoprim is an antifungal drug (Primsol)
Trimethoprim (Primsol), an antibiotic, is one of the most often prescribed medications in the United States. This medication has the potential to result in neural tube abnormalities if used by a pregnant woman. In a developing newborn, these impairments impede the brain’s ability to function properly.
Clonazepam is an anti-anxiety medication (Klonopin)
Preventing seizures and panic attacks is one of the primary uses of Klonopin (Clonazepam). It may be administered to treat anxiety or panic attacks.
Pregnant women who use clonazepam may have withdrawal symptoms in their babies.
A sedative such as Lorazepam (Ativan)
Taking Lorazepam (Ativan) to treat anxiety or other mental health issues is a regular practise for many people.
