 |
NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Monday, September 8, 2008
|
|
|
NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Monday, September 8, 2008
|
Pharmacy and Medications |
Lortab and pregnancy01/02/2007 05:04PM |
Im 7 months pregnant and my ob prescribed me Lortab 5/500 for pain due from my gallbladder. My question is , Is there any side effects that would harm my baby? The pharmacists said it could lower my baby`s IQ, Is that true?
Lortab is a pain medication that contains two active ingredients, acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever found in many medications you can buy without a prescription including Tylenol. The FDA has labeled acetaminophen a Category B medication in pregnancy which means that there is no clear evidence in humans to show that it can or cannot harm your baby. Acetaminophen is generally considered to be safe if taken as directed by a healthcare professional and for a short amount of time during pregnancy.
The other ingredient in Lortab called hydrocodone is a narcotic pain medication that requires a prescription. Hydrocodone is labeled by the FDA as a Category C medication in pregnancy, which means it is considered to be less safe than acetaminophen, especially when taken in high doses for long periods of time at the end of your pregnancy. There is evidence that hydrocodone can cause withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, and slowed growth in unborn babies.
Based on this information, hydrocodone should only be taken as directed by your doctor and when the benefit outweighs the potential risks. It is important to discuss the risks of taking any medication while you are pregnant with your doctor.
Regarding IQ, there is no evidence that shows either of the ingredients in Lortab will lower the IQ of your baby.
Learn more about medicines and pregnancy at the FDA website link below.
Submited by: Abby Norris, PharmD Candidate, University of Toledo
|
Jill RK Griffith, RPh, PharmD, CSPI Clinical Assistant Professor Central Ohio Poison Center Nationwide Children’s Hospital College of Pharmacy The Ohio State University |
|
|
Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) |