Teratogenic effects of anticonvulsants.

Full Abstract

The incidence of malformations in fetal mice exposed to phenytoin depends on drug dosage and the strain of mice. Animal research also suggests that most anticonvulsants are teratogenic in experimental animals when large doses are used, but the effect of valproate sodium on the fetus is poorly known. Cleft lip and palatal defects have been most extensively studied, but defects have also been noted in eyes, heart, and limb buds. Data from humans are less clearer than the animal data, but human maternal exposure to anticonvulsants may increase infant clefting by threefold to tenfold. If a woman at risk for childbearing is given anticonvulsants for the first time, carbamazepine may be given first. Before pregnancy, the true need for anticonvulsants should be reassessed, but abrupt discontinuation of anticonvulsants during pregnancy is not now recommended.

Author information

Author/s: Paulson, G W (GW); Paulson, R B (RB);

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Archives of neurology (Arch Neurol), published in UNITED STATES. (Language: eng)

Reference: 1981-Mar; vol 38 (issue 3) : pp 140-3

Dates: Created 1981/04/24; Completed 1981/04/24; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 6781455, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.