Drugs in Pregnancy

Question 1

Why should NSAIDS be avoided?

What is the alternative?

Answer 1

They block prostaglandins which are responsible for maintaining the ductus arteriosus and cervical softening and uterine contractions

Blocking = premature closure of ductus arteriosus and delayed labour

Paracetomol and physio

Question 2

What is the period of greatest teratognic risk?

Answer 2

4th-11th week avoid drugs where poss.

Question 3

What anti-HTN drug is teratogenic?

What effect do they have on foetus (2)

Answer 3

ACE-i and ARBS

Reduce urine production
- oligohydramnios

Hypocalvaria (incomplete formation of skull bones)

Question 4

What dermatological med needs to be avoided due to being highly teratogenic?

Answer 4

Roaccutane - isotretinoin

Question 5

What epileptic drug must be avoided and why?

Answer 5

Sodium valproate

• neural tube defects
• developmental delay

Question 6

What drug is linked to the cardiac abnormality - Ebstein’s anomaly?

Answer 6

Lithium - used in 1st trimester

Question 7

Diabetic patients on SUs should be switched to what?

Answer 7

Insulin

Question 8

What drug causes neonatal abstinence syndrome?

What other drug can cause withdrawal?

Answer 8

Opiods

SSRIs can cause mild withdrawl

Question 9

What drug should be given if high risk of VTE?

Answer 9

LWMH

Question 10

Paracetomol crosses the placenta. T/F

Answer 10

T

Question 11

Paracetomol crosses the placenta. T/F

Answer 11

T