Pregnancy drug toxicity

The tetracyclines are contraindicated if the patient is known to be hypersensitive to any of the tetracyclines. Tetracyclines also are contraindicated during pregnancy because of die possibility of toxic effects to the developing fetus. The tetracyclines are classified Pregnancy Category D drag. These drug also are contraindicated... 

Flucytosine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug. Flucytosine is used cautiously in patients with bone marrow depression and with extreme caution in those with renal impairment. The drug is also used cautiously during pregnancy (Category C) and lactation. When flucytosine and amphotericin B are administered concurrently, the risk of flucytosine toxicity is increased. 

Thiabendazole is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity. Thiabendazole is used with caution in patients with hepatic or renal disease. Thiabendazole is a Pregnancy Category C drug and is used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. When thiabendazole is administered with the xanthine derivatives, the plasma level of the xanthine may increase to toxic levels. It is important to monitor xanthine plasma levels closely in case a dosage reduction is necessary. 

The drug may cause liver toxicity and is contraindicated in patients with preexisting liver disease. The ALT should be monitored monthly initially and periodically thereafter. Leflunomide may cause bone marrow toxicity a complete blood cell count with platelets is recommended monthly for 6 months and then every 6 to 8 weeks thereafter. It is teratogenic and should be avoided during pregnancy. 

Additionally, impulse-control and attention problems, hyperactivity, and even antisocial behavior could be caused by a prenatal exposure to psychoactive drugs that escaped detection. Research has linked these conditions with known prenatal toxicity, and the consequences of low levels of prenatal exposure to psychoactive substances can sometimes be missed. In these instances, the symptoms are more likely to be observed as behavioral and attributed to other causes (such as Attention-Deficit Disorder). Recent research also suggests that children of mothers who may have used substances during pregnancy also may be at risk for drug problems later in life (Baer, Sampson, Barr, Connor, Streissguth, 2003). 

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