Klin Farmakol Farm. 2019;33(4):12-19 | DOI: 10.36290/far.2019.027

Pharmacotherapy in pregnancy

Tomáš Binder

Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika Masarykovy nemocnice a Univerzity J. E. Purkyně, Ústí nad Labem

The article deals with the rules for selection of a medicinal product during pregnancy and lactation. An updated FDA categorization of medicinal products is presented in terms of their fetal safety and division of pregnancy into discrete, pharmacotherapy-specific periods of time. These are the major criteria determining the selection of a medicinal product. Administration of drugs shown to have teratogenic or toxic effects on the developing embryo and fetus is, except for very specific situations, contraindicated. Also mentioned are additional factors that need to be taken into account when selecting a medicinal product during pregnancy and lactation. They include the ones that interfere with pharmacokinetics of the drug administered as well as those affecting the rate of adverse medication exposure of the fetus, newborn, or infant. The most commonly used medicinal products and their effects on the fetus are presented. Finally, in addition to general recommendations on pharmaco¬therapy in women of childbearing age, in pregnancy, and during lactation, the article provides an overview of over-the-counter medications and medicinal herbs that are considered to be safe for both the pregnant woman and her fetus, as well as a list of medicinal products and herbs the use of which is not free of risks and should be avoided in pregnancy.

Keywords: pregnancy, lactation, pharmacotherapy, drug categorization.

Published: January 1, 2020  Show citation