What kind of birth defects are caused by drugs?
Some of the most severe birth defects linked to medications may include:
- Cleft lips and palates.
- Heart defects.
- Genital defects.
- Spina bifida.
- Brain damage.
- Glaucoma.
- Abdominal trauma.
- Deformed limbs.
What percentage of birth defects are caused by drugs?
Less than 2 to 3% of all birth defects result from drugs that are taken to treat a disorder or symptom. Sometimes drugs are essential for the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus. In such cases, a woman should talk with her doctor or other health care practitioner about the risks and benefits of taking the drug.
What is neonatal abstinence syndrome?
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (also called NAS) is a group of conditions caused when a baby withdraws from certain drugs he’s exposed to in the womb before birth. NAS is most often caused when a woman takes drugs called opioids during pregnancy.
Which drug shows side effects like teratogenicity?
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 makes a drug teratogenic?
A drug is a teratogen if its administration to the pregnant mother, directly or indirectly, causes a structural or functional change in the fetus or child. Organ formation within the fetus occurs in the first 3 months of pregnancy, teratogenic drugs taken in this period therefore tend to cause structural defects.
What happens if a puppy has a birth defect?
Birth defects in your new puppy or kitten can involve any organ system and any part of the body. Some abnormalities may be minor and resolve as the animal matures, while others can prevent normal growth and development, inhibit optimal functioning, and even cause premature death.
Are there any drugs that can cause birth defects?
Two other antibiotics used together to treat urinary tract infections, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, may also be linked to an increased risk of birth defects. Acne medications. Drugs like Accutane can cause severe, life-threatening birth defects, and even after just one dose.
What kind of dog has a congenital defect?
Some congenital defects are specific to certain breeds and are a result of exaggerated features that characterize the breed. Brachycephalic syndrome is most commonly seen in bulldogs, or other short-nosed breeds of dogs, and results in abnormal development of different parts of their airway.
What causes birth defects in pigs and rats?
In pigs, rats and rabbits, a deficiency of Vitamin A has been associated with eye, heart and urinary defects. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiencies can show up as poor infant growth, eye defects, and heart abnormalities.
