Drugs and Pregnancy: A Handbook

This handbook provides detailed guidelines on prescribing drugs during pregnancy, covering various classes and diseases, with helpful boxes and tables.

Format: Hardback
Length: 372 pages
Publication date: 21 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive handbook offers thorough instructions on drug prescribing for all classes and a wide range of diseases and disorders during pregnancy, featuring numerous boxes and tables to facilitate understanding.

Introduction:

Understanding the implications of drug use during pregnancy is crucial for the well-being of both the mother and the fetus. This practical handbook provides detailed guidelines on prescribing drugs in all classes and for a diverse array of conditions during pregnancy. It serves as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals who are responsible for providing care to pregnant women.

Antimicrobials during Pregnancy:

Antimicrobials play a vital role in treating infections during pregnancy, as some infections can pose significant risks to both the mother and the fetus. However, the use of certain antimicrobials may have embryotoxic or fetal effects, making it essential to carefully consider the indications and risks before prescribing.

Bacterial, Viral, Fungal, and Parasitic Indications:

Antimicrobials are prescribed for various bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections during pregnancy. These include urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, gastrointestinal infections, and parasitic infections such as malaria and toxoplasmosis. The choice of antimicrobial agent depends on the specific infection, the stage of pregnancy, and the potential risks to the fetus.

Cardiovascular Drugs during Pregnancy:

Cardiovascular drugs are used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and arrhythmias. However, some cardiovascular drugs may have adverse effects on the fetus, particularly in the first trimester. It is important to carefully evaluate the benefits and risks of these drugs before prescribing.

Endocrine Disorders, Contraception, and Hormone Therapy during Pregnancy:

Endocrine disorders, contraception, and hormone therapy are common during pregnancy. These treatments can affect the fetus and require careful monitoring and management. The use of embryotoxic agents, such as some hormonal contraceptives, should be avoided during pregnancy.

Antiasthma Agents during Pregnancy:

Asthma is a common condition during pregnancy, and the use of antiasthma agents may be necessary to control symptoms. However, some antiasthma agents may have embryotoxic or fetal effects, particularly in the first trimester. It is essential to carefully consider the benefits and risks of these agents before prescribing.

Anesthetic Agents and Surgery during Pregnancy:

Anesthetic agents and surgery are essential for certain medical procedures during pregnancy. However, the use of certain anesthetic agents may have adverse effects on the fetus, particularly in the first trimester. It is important to carefully evaluate the benefits and risks of these agents before prescribing.

Antineoplastic Drugs during Pregnancy:

Some cancer treatments may be necessary during pregnancy, but the use of certain antineoplastic drugs may have embryotoxic or fetal effects. It is essential to carefully consider the benefits and risks of these drugs before prescribing.

Analgesics during Pregnancy:

Pain management is important during pregnancy, and the use of analgesics may be necessary. However, some analgesics may have adverse effects on the fetus, particularly in the first trimester. It is essential to carefully consider the benefits and risks of these agents before prescribing.

Anticonvulsant Drugs during Pregnancy:

Epilepsy is a common condition during pregnancy, and the use of anticonvulsant drugs may be necessary to control symptoms. However, some anticonvulsant drugs may have embryotoxic or fetal effects, particularly in the first trimester. It is essential to carefully consider the benefits and risks of these agents before prescribing.

Psychotropic Use during Pregnancy:

Psychotropic drugs are used to treat mental health conditions during pregnancy. However, the use of certain psychotropic drugs may have adverse effects on the fetus, particularly in the first trimester. It is essential to carefully consider the benefits and risks of these drugs before prescribing.

Antihistamines, Decongestants, and Expectorants during Pregnancy:

Antihistamines, decongestants, and expectorants are commonly used during pregnancy to relieve symptoms such as allergies, colds, and coughs. However, some of these agents may have embryotoxic or fetal effects, particularly in the first trimester. It is essential to carefully consider the benefits and risks of these agents before prescribing.

Nutritional and Dietary Supplementation during Pregnancy:

A healthy diet is essential for the well-being of both the mother and the fetus. Nutritional and dietary supplementation may be necessary to ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients. However, some supplements may have adverse effects on the fetus, particularly in the first trimester. It is essential to carefully consider the benefits and risks of these agents before prescribing.

Use of Dermatologics during Pregnancy:

Some dermatological conditions may require treatment during pregnancy. However, the use of certain dermatological agents may have adverse effects on the fetus, particularly in the first trimester. It is essential to carefully consider the benefits and risks of these agents before prescribing.

Drug Overdoses during Pregnancy:

Drug overdoses can pose significant risks to both the mother and the fetus. It is essential to be vigilant for signs of overdose and to take immediate action if overdose is suspected.

Miscellaneous Drugs during Pregnancy:

Miscellaneous drugs, such as tocolytics, immunosuppressants, and biologic therapeutics, are used in certain cases during pregnancy. These drugs may have specific indications and risks, and it is essential to carefully consider the benefits and risks before prescribing.

Substance Abuse during Pregnancy:

Substance abuse during pregnancy can have severe consequences for both the mother and the fetus. It is essential to identify and address substance abuse issues during pregnancy and to provide appropriate support and treatment.

Online Support Material:

There are numerous online resources available to healthcare professionals who are prescribing drugs during pregnancy. These resources provide up-to-date information on drug safety, indications, and risks, as well as guidance on managing drug interactions and side effects.

Conclusion:

Drug prescribing during pregnancy requires careful consideration of the risks and benefits to both the mother and the fetus. This comprehensive handbook provides detailed guidelines on drug prescribing for all classes and a wide range of diseases and disorders during pregnancy. By following these guidelines, healthcare professionals can ensure that pregnant women receive safe and effective treatment while minimizing the potential risks to the fetus.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032216782
Edition number: 2 ed