Katarzyna Mysłowska, Anna Partyka, Magdalena Jastrzębska‑Więsek, Natalia Trybuś, Anna Wesołowska

Teratogenicity of drugs used in dermatological diseases
2018-07-11

Studies assessing teratogenic potential of drugs used in dermatological treatment showed that there is no drug completely safe to use during human pregnancy. Medications affect both the pregnant woman and the fetus. The pregnant or breastfeeding woman requires special attention of the physician, who should choose the appropriate treatment, only if the benefits justify the potential risk to the mother, the fetus or the child. This article presents issues about safety of drugs used in skin disorders in pregnant women. First, it describes the stages of pregnancy, with special regard to those in which the fetus is the most vulnerable to the effects of drugs, presents the role of the placenta in drugs’ transportation to the fetus and the changes in the pharmacokinetics of drugs during pregnancy.

Furthermore, the mechanisms of action of dermatological drugs have been discussed, taking into account topical and systemic administered medicines, together with their brief descriptions including the safety categories according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classification. In addition, a specific attention has been paid to the safety issues of drugs used in treatment of acne, bacterial, viral or fungal diseases and glucocorticosteroids, commonly used in dermatology.

Keywords: dermatological drugs, glucocorticosteroids, teratogenicity, pregnancy

© Farm Pol, 2018, 74 (6): 360–373