CATEGORIZATION OF DRUGS IN PREGNANCY

Category A - drugs which have been taken by a large number of pregnant women without any proven increase in the frequency of malformation or other director indirect harmful effects on the fetus. Ex.amoxycillin, cephalexin, clindamycin, dexamethaxone, paracetamol, ampicillin.

Categorization of drugs in Pregnancy

Category B1

Drugs which has been taken by a limited number of pregnant women, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus . Studies on animals have not shown evidence of increased occurrence of fetal damage.Ex. Azithromycin, cephazolin, famiciclovir

Category B2

Drugs which has been taken by only limited number of pregnant women, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or direct or indirect harmful effects on human but studies in animals are inadequate, but available data show no evidence of increased occurrence of fetal damage. Ex. Amphotericin, metronidazole

Category B3

Drugs which have been taken by only limited number of pregnant women , without increase in the frequency of malformation or direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus have been observed. Studies on animals have shown evidence of occurrence of fetal damage, the significance of which is considered uncertain in humans. Ex. Articane with adrenaline, clarithromycin, ketaconazole

Category C

Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, have caused or may be suspected of causing malformations. These effects may be reversible. Ex. Aspirin, cyclosporin, ibufropen, morphine, naproxen

Category D

Drugs which have caused, are suspected to have caused or may be expected to cause an increase of human fetal malformations or irreversible damage. These drugs may also have adverse pharmacological effects. Ex. Doxycycline,fluconazole, tetracycline

Category X

Drugs which have such a high risk of causing permanent damage to the fetus that they should not be used in pregnancy.Ex. Isotretinoin and Thalidomide