Medication questions are some of the most common questions we get from patients, family members, and even other health care professionals. It is very important to speak with an OB/GYN regarding your specific medication questions of prenatal safety as some areas are not black and white.
Below is a typical, non-inclusive, list of medications that should be avoided during pregnancy. However, prenatal safety profiles are constantly being modified as new research and information is available.
Antibiotics
Not all antibiotics are bad during pregnancy. Typically medications in the family of fluoroquinolones or tetracyclines are avoided.
Examples of these are Cipro and Doxycycline respectively.
Pain Relief
- Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) should not be used during pregnancy.
- Examples include, but are not limited to Advil, ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve. A safe over the counter pain medication is acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Prescription medications that have narcotics in them may be used but with caution as long term use can cause neonatal abstinence syndrome. Talk to your OB/GYN about this if you are concerned.
- Examples of narcotics are codeine, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and morphine just to name a few. They may be named Tylenol #3, Percocet, Dilaudid, and many more!
Anti-hypertensives
- Blood pressure medications that are considered diuretics, ACE-inhibitors, or ARB’s should be avoided during pregnancy.
- Examples of these are Lisinopril, Valsartan, and HCTZ
If you are concerned you may be on an unsafe blood pressure medication, call your doctor right away and switch to something that is safer to use during pregnancy
Anti-seizure medications
- Certain medications that are used to treat seizures are known to cause birth defects such as Valproic Acid. If you are considering pregnancy or just recently found out you are pregnant, do not stop medications! Talk to your doctor immediately about your inpidual needs and if there is a safer alternative for you.
Blood thinners
- If you are on a blood thinner called Warfarin (Coumadin), talk to your doctor about switching to a safer option like Lovenox or Heparin.
Depression/Anxiety
- Certain medications for depression have been associated with birth defects such as Paxil. Use caution and talk to your doctor!
