Drugs in pregnancy and lactation

Drug use during pregnancy and lactation is an almost inevitable event. Some of the drugs may have adverse effects on the baby on exposure. It is therefore necessary for the physician to be aware of the changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics during pregnancy. Knowledge about the known teratogens and drugs safe to be used during pregnancy is essential on the part of the prescribing physician. There are many factors affecting drug passage into the milk and thus affecting the child in some cases. There are also some drugs affecting lactation. All this data needs to be carefully studied by the physician. [Int J Basic Clin Pharmacol 2013; 2(2.000): 130-135]