PREGNANCY-BIRTH Messages for September, 1998: Re: drug question

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Re: drug question

From: Richard M. Chudacoff, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 17 Sep 1998 16:12:37 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: sera: "drug question"

At Wed, 16 Sep 1998, sera wrote: >
>My sister just found out that she's pregnant (17 1/2 weeks) and I'm
>really worried about the use of her over the counter medication she
>takes and the baby. She takes these pills called "mini-thins" and each
>pill has 25mg of Ephedrine HCI and 200mg of Guaifenesin and currently at
>the time she's taking somewhere from what I can tell between 10 and 20
>pills a day. I've tried talking to her and begged her to stop but I was
>hoping that there was someone out there who could help me out. Any
>information or links you could point me in the direction so I can help
>them both would be so appreciated. She's been talking these pills for
>so many years now so I believe it's safe to say that she's been using
>since the beginning of the pregnancy. Thank you in advance for any
>help.

Both Ephedrine and Guaifenesin are Risk Factor Catagory C medications. This means that either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the fetus (teratogenic ((structural)) or embryocidal (causing loss of pregnancy at an early gestational age)) or other) and there are no controlled studies in woman or studies in women and animals are not available. Hense, these drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

To be honest, after the second trimester (after 12 weeks) these drugs are generally safe in pregnancy. But, your sister is using much greater than normal doses, and I would be quite concerned.

She should stop these medications and see an obstetrician as soon as possible.

-- Richard Chudacoff, MD Baylor College of Medicine BaylorMedCare Houston/Sugar Land, TX

Advisory Board-OBGYN.net http://www.obgyn.net/board/chudacoff.htm

*Note: Opinions expressed here are for educational purpose only. This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to consult with your physician prior to choosing therapeutic options.

Next message: Christine: "UTI?"
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In reply to: sera: "drug question"

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