Teratogenic barbiturates

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 and intraperitoneal routes. A human teratogen by an unspecified route with developmental abnormalities of the cardiovascular (circulatory) system. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic NOx. See also BARBITURATES. 

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. 

Valproic acid often causes gastrointestinal distress and is potentially hepatotoxic. The use of this drug in pregnancy has been associated with teratogenicity (neural tube defects). Valproic acid inhibits the metabolism of barbiturates marked CNS depression may result if such drugs are given concomitantly. Peripheral neuropathy, in the form of diminished deep tendon reflexes in the lower extremities, is associated with chronic use of phenytoin. The answer is (C). 

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