What are three examples of teratogens?

What are three examples of teratogens?

Common teratogens include some medications, recreational drugs, tobacco products, chemicals, alcohol, certain infections, and in some cases, uncontrolled health problems in the birthing parent. Alcohol is a well-known teratogen that can cause harmful effects on the fetus after exposure at any time during pregnancy.

What are the most common teratogens?

Known Teratogens

• angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as Zestril and Prinivil.
• alcohol.
• aminopterin.
• androgens, such as methyltestosterone (Android)
• busulfan (Myleran)
• carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• chlorobiphenyls.
• cocaine.

What is teratogenesis?

Teratogenesis is a prenatal toxicity characterized by structural or functional defects in the developing embryo or fetus. It also includes intrauterine growth retardation, death of the embryo or fetus, and transplacental carcinogenesis (in which chemical exposure of the mother initiates cancer development in the…

What causes teratogenesis?

Causes. Causes of teratogenesis can broadly be classified as: Toxic substances, such as, for humans, drugs in pregnancy and environmental toxins in pregnancy. Potassium iodide is a possible teratogen.

How can you prevent pregnancy abnormalities?

Commit to Healthy Choices to Help Prevent Birth Defects

1. Plan ahead. Get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.
2. Avoid harmful substances. Avoid alcohol at any time during pregnancy.
3. Choose a healthy lifestyle. Keep diabetes under control.
4. Talk with your healthcare provider.

Which drugs are teratogenic?

Drugs that are capable of acting as teratogens include:

• ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors such as:
• Acne medication isotretinoin (Accutane, Retin-A).
• Alcohol ingested chronically or in binges.
• Androgens (male hormones).
• Antibiotics tetracycline (Achromycin), and doxycycline (Vibramycin), and streptomycin.

What can teratogenic drugs cause?

Certain drugs such as alcohol, some illegal drugs, and some prescription and over-the-counter medications are known to cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Drugs that can cause birth defects are called ‘teratogens’. A teratogen is a substance that interferes with the normal development of a fetus.

Which teratogenic drug causes eye defects?

Thalidomide, an antianxiety and antiemetic drug, that was used widely by pregnant women in the 1960s, was recognised as being responsible for severe teratogenic malformations.

Which teratogenic drug causes hand and eye defects?

The combination of valproic acid, carbamazepine, and phenytoin or phenobarbital seems to have the highest risk. The diphenylhydantoin syndrome occurs in 5% to 10% of babies born to a mother under therapy with the drug.

Are antidepressants teratogenic?

Most antidepressants do not pose a major teratogenic risk, although the data supporting this conclusion vary from one type to another. While SSRIs and tricyclics have been examined in a considerable number of studies, only scarce data is available on new antidepressants.

Which condition would be considered teratogenic?

Teratogenic agents include infectious agents (rubella, cytomegalovirus, varicella, herpes simplex, toxoplasma, syphilis, etc.); physical agents (ionizing agents, hyperthermia); maternal health factors (diabetes, maternal PKU); environmental chemicals (organic mercury compounds, polychlorinated biphenyl or PCB.

Is etretinate a teratogen?

Etretinate (Tigason) is an orally administered retinoid which is used primarily for the treatment of severe keratinization disorders of the skin. The compound has been shown by animal studies to be teratogenic.

Is acitretin a steroid?

Acitretin is a retinoid, which is a form of vitamin A. Acitretin is used to treat severe psoriasis in adults. Acitretin is not a cure for psoriasis, and you may relapse after you stop taking this medication. Acitretin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the side effects of taking acitretin?

Dry eyes, eye irritation, crusting of the eye lids, dry mouth, peeling of the skin of fingertips, palms or soles of feet, chapped lips, runny nose, thirst, taste changes and hair loss may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

What class of drug is dutasteride?

Dutasteride is in a class of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It works by blocking the production of a natural substance that enlarges the prostate.

Is dutasteride safe long-term?

The safety and tolerability of a drug is an important factor for long-term consumption. Dutasteride seems to be safe in long-term studies, but the importance of proper patient counseling on related sexual adverse events must be considered.