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Sedatives in pregnancy

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  • barbiturates may lead to congenital malformations and an increased risk of neonatal bleeding

  • antihistamines and phenothiazines appear to be safe to use during pregnancy. However these drugs may cause neonatal depression

  • anxiolytics and hypnotics depress neonatal respiration. Benzodiazepines may cause neonatal drowsiness and hypotonia. The infant may have withdrawal symptoms. Large doses and regular use should be avoided during pregnancy. Short acting preparations should be used in preference to long-acting ones.

For further details: see British National Formulary, Appendix 4: pregnancy.

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