Barbiturate teratogenic effects

The glutarimide best known to the lay public, thalidomide (40), owes its reputation not to efficacy, but to the wholly unanticipated and tragic teratogenic effects elicited by this compound. It might be noted that the very efficacy and lack of the usual barbiturate side effects shown by this drug led to its prescription as a hypnotic for expectant mothers. Condensation of the phthalimide of glutamic acid (39) with ammonia at elevated... 

SAFETY PROFILE Poison by ingestion, intraperitoneal, rectal, subcutaneous, and intravenous routes. Human systemic effects by intraarterial route acute arterial occlusion by rectal route respiratory depression, body temperature decrease, general anesthetic. An experimental teratogen. Experimental reproductive effects. An intravenous anesthetic. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx and Na20. See also PENTOTHAL and BARBITURATES. 

Hydroxyzine may be teratogenic in experimental animals and should not be used in pregnancy. It causes drowsiness, and caution should be exercised while performing tasks requiring alertness. Hydroxyzine potentiates the CNS depressant effects of narcotics and barbiturates. 

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