Dermatologic Medications to Avoid During Pregnancy - Brief Article

AORN Journal, Nov, 2000

Pregnant women should discuss with their physicians products used to treat hair, skin, and nail conditions, according to an Aug 4, 2000, news release from the American Academy of Dermatology. Certain dermatologic medications have been shown to increase the risk of birth defects.

Specific medications should be avoided during pregnancy.

* Isotretinoin, used to treat severe nodular acne, can cause low-set ears and cardiac problems in the fetus.

* Thalidomide, used to treat many conditions including leprosy, can cause limb abnormalities and autism.

* Fluconazole, an antifungal agent, has been associated with birth defects when used in high doses for extended periods of time.

* Minoxidil, a hair promoting agent, and tetracycline, an antibiotic, should be avoided as well.

"Fewer than 100 prescription drugs have been identified to cause such severe problems that they should be avoided during pregnancy," said dermatologist Barbara Reed, MD, associate clinical professor at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver. "Yet if a women is contemplating pregnancy, she should discuss all her medications, including vitamins and supplements, with her physician prior to becoming pregnant."

Evidence exists that over-the-counter medications can have an adverse effect on pregnancy as well. Women should avoid ibuprofen and aspirin. Supplements, such as St John's Wort, gingko, and echinacea, should be avoided.

During pregnancy, women experience changes to their skin. Melasma, the darkening of the skin in sun-exposed areas, is the most common change. Melasma does not require treatment, and physicians recommend the wearing of sunscreen. Other changes not requiting treatment include reddened palms, varicose or spider veins on the face and chest, and stretch marks.

Changes that do require treatment include pruritic and urticarial papules or plaques of pregnancy, benign rashes that usually arise on the abdomen. These conditions, while not dangerous, are itchy and irritating and can be treated with steroid creams and antihistamines.

American Academy of Dermatologists; Pregnancy and the Skin: Medications to Avoid, Changes to Expect. (news release, Nashville: American Academy of Dermatology, Aug 4, 2000) 1-2. Available from http://www.newsdesk.com /members/showdoc.htm?file=pr138376.txt. Accessed 8 August 2000.