The drugs used in pregnancy are folic acid, iron preparations, calcium, antacids, antiemetics, antihypertensives, analgesia, antibiotics, etc.
Drugs are a necessary part of modern medicine, but they can also be dangerous. When it comes to drugs and pregnancy, it is especially important to be aware of the risks involved. Some drugs can cause birth defects or other problems for the baby. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common drugs used in pregnancy and what you need to know about them.
Many drugs are prescribed for therapeutic purposes during pregnancy. These drugs may be used to treat conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and seizure disorders. Some drugs are also used for prophylactic purposes, such as to prevent pre-eclampsia or to treat malaria. In general, it is best to avoid drugs during pregnancy unless they are necessary.
However, there are some circumstances in which the benefits of a drug may outweigh the risks. If you are pregnant and considering taking a drug, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits. They will be able to help you make an informed decision about whether or not to take the drug.
The following is a list of some of the most common drugs used in pregnancy:
Folic acid
Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and fortified foods. It is also available in supplement form. Folic acid is important for the development of the neural tube, which becomes the baby’s brain and spinal cord. It reduces the risk of neural tube defects. It is recommended that all women planning a pregnancy take a daily supplement of 400 micrograms of folic acid.
Iron preparations
Iron is an essential mineral that is found in meat, poultry, and fortified foods. It is also available in supplement and prescription forms. Iron is important for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Iron deficiency anemia is a common condition during pregnancy.
Iron supplementation is recommended for all pregnant women. There are many preparations available based on either ferrous sulphate or ferrous gluconate, so be sure to speak with your healthcare provider about which one is right for you.
Calcium
Calcium is a mineral that is found in dairy products, dark leafy greens, and calcium-fortified foods. It is also available in supplement form. Calcium is important for pregnant women because it helps to build strong bones and teeth. It also helps to prevent pre-eclampsia, a condition that can occur during pregnancy. Pregnant women should take 1000 mg of calcium per day.
Antacid
Antacid medications are alkalis that act by reducing the acidity of stomach acid. It is used to treat heartburn, indigestion, and nausea. These medications are safe to take during pregnancy. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medication, even over-the-counter medications.
Antiemetics
Nausea and vomiting may be troublesome during pregnancy, and some women find them so severe that they cannot function normally. Most cases of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) are mild and can be managed with conservative measures such as diet and lifestyle changes. However, some women experience more severe NVP, and antiemetics may be necessary.
There are many different types of antiemetics, and the best one for a woman to take depends on the severity of her symptoms and her individual preferences. Some common antiemetics used in pregnancy include:
- Doxylamine/pyridoxine (aka Bendectin/Diclectin): This is a combination medication that is available over the counter in Canada. It is generally considered the first-line therapy for NVP, as it is safe and effective.
- Ondansetron (Zofran): This medication is a common second-line therapy for NVP, as it is also safe and effective. However, it is more expensive than doxylamine/pyridoxine, and some women prefer not to take it because of its potential side effects.
- Metoclopramide (Reglan): This medication is also a common second-line therapy for NVP, and it is similarly safe and effective as ondansetron. However, it can cause some side effects, such as drowsiness and restlessness, that may be bothersome for some women.
If you are experiencing severe NVP, talk to your healthcare provider about which medication is best for you. With proper treatment, most women can manage their symptoms and have a healthy pregnancy.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are medications that are used to treat infections. They work by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and sexually transmitted infections. Some common antibiotics used in pregnancy include:
- Amoxicillin
- Azithromycin
- Erythromycin
- Ampicillin
If you are prescribed an antibiotic, be sure to take it as directed. Do not stop taking the medication early, even if you are feeling better. Doing so could allow the infection to return and become more difficult to treat.
As with any medication, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking antibiotics during pregnancy. This is because some antibiotics can cause side effects, such as diarrhea and nausea, which may be bothersome for some women.
Analgesia
Analgesics are medications that are used to relieve pain. They work by reducing the sensitivity of nerve endings to pain signals. Analgesics are available in both over-the-counter and prescription forms. Some common analgesics used in pregnancy include:
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
If you are in pain, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to manage it. This is because some analgesics can cause side effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness, which may be bothersome for some women.
Aspirin
Aspirin is a medication that is used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. It works by reducing the production of prostaglandins, which are hormones that play a role in pain and inflammation. Aspirin is available in both over-the-counter and prescription forms.
In analgesic doses, aspirin has been shown to increase the risk of maternal, fetal, and neonatal bleeding because of its effect as an antiplatelet agent. Aspirin is generally considered safe to take during pregnancy only in low doses (75 mg daily) for the treatment of women with recurrent miscarriages, thrombophilias, prevention of pre-eclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction.
However, it can cause side effects, such as stomach upset and bleeding. If you are considering taking aspirin during pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider first.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medications that are used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. They work by reducing the production of prostaglandins, which are hormones that play a role in pain and inflammation. NSAIDs are available over-the-counter and by prescription.
NSAIDs are generally considered safe to use during pregnancy, but they can cause side effects such as stomach upset, heartburn, and dizziness. If you are taking NSAIDs, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits.
Antihypertensives
Antihypertensive drugs are medications that are used to treat high blood pressure. They work by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the heart rate. Antihypertensives are available by prescription only. Some of the antihypertensives such as methyldopa, propranolol, atenolol, labetalol, nifedipine, and hydralazine are safe to use during pregnancy with a doctor’s prescription.
There are a variety of different antihypertensive drugs that can be used during pregnancy, but they all have the potential to cause side effects. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of taking antihypertensive drugs during pregnancy.
Anti-anxiety medications
Anti-anxiety medications are medications that are used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. They work by reducing the level of anxiety and improving the ability to cope with stress. Anti-anxiety medications are available by prescription only.
Some of the anti-anxiety medications that are safe to use during pregnancy include lorazepam, alprazolam, and diazepam. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of taking anti-anxiety medications during pregnancy.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are medications that are used to treat depression. They work by changing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Antidepressants are available by prescription only.
Some of the antidepressants that are safe to use during pregnancy include fluoxetine, sertraline, and citalopram. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of taking antidepressants during pregnancy.
Medications for diabetes mellitus
Medications for diabetes mellitus are used to treat high blood sugar. They work by lowering the level of sugar in the blood. Medications for diabetes mellitus are available by prescription only.
Some of the medications for diabetes mellitus that are safe to use during pregnancy include insulin, metformin, and glyburide. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of taking medications for diabetes mellitus during pregnancy.
Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants are medications that are used to prevent blood clots. They work by preventing the formation of clots and by reducing the size of existing clots. Anticoagulants are available by prescription only.
Some of the anticoagulants that are safe to use during pregnancy include heparin, enoxaparin, and warfarin. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of taking anticoagulants during pregnancy.
Tocolytics
Tocolytics are medications that are used to stop labor. They work by relaxing the muscles of the uterus and by delaying the release of oxytocin. Tocolytics are available by prescription only.
Some of the tocolytics that are safe to use during pregnancy include nifedipine, terbutaline, and magnesium sulfate. These help to prevent preterm labor.
Magnesium sulfate
It is commonly used in the treatment of eclampsia and pre-eclampsia. It works by relaxing the muscles and by decreasing the amount of urine produced. This medication is safe to use during pregnancy with a doctor’s prescription.
As you can see, there are a variety of different drugs that can be used during pregnancy. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of taking any medication during pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a time when many women are concerned about the safety of medications. The truth is, there are a lot of medications that are safe to take during pregnancy. Medications should be taken with a doctor’s prescription only.
Stay safe and healthy during pregnancy.
