Drugs and Pregnancy

This practical pocket guide will assist the physician and nurse prescriber in understanding the effects of drug exposure during pregnancy. Presented in the form of bullet lists and tables with illustrative algorithms, the text is arranged in an ideal format for rapid assimilation in the busy clinical setting.



The book provides detailed guidelines on prescribing drugs in all classes, and for a wide variety of diseases and disorders, during pregnancy. Opening with a helpful analysis of potential risks and benefits of prescribing in pregnancy, the book moves on to consider the implications of both medications for pre-existing conditions and those that develop during pregnancy, including antibiotics, drugs for cardiovascular, renal and respiratory disease, endocrine-related medications, anti-cancer agents, skin preparations, epilepsy treatments and psychiatric drugs. Invaluable guidance on anesthetic administration and the use of pain relieving medication during pregnancy and labor, and helpful advice on the possible side-effects associated with over-the-counter preparations such as cold and 'flu remedies, antihistamines and vitamin supplements is also provided.