A teratogen is an agent that can disturb the development of the embryo or fetus. Teratogens halt the pregnancy or produce a congenital malformation (a birth defect). Classes of teratogens include radiation, maternal infections, chemicals, and drugs.
Drugs that are capable of acting as teratogens include: ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors such as: benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril sodium (Monopril), lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil), lisinopril + hydrochlorothiazide (Zestoretic, Prinzide), quinapril (Accupril) and ramipril (Altace).
Drugs that are capable of acting as teratogens include: Acne medication isotretinoin (Accutane, Retin-A). Alcohol ingested chronically or in binges. Androgens (male hormones). Antibiotics tetracycline (Achromycin), and doxycycline (Vibramycin), and streptomycin. Anticoagulant (blood-thinner) warfarin (Coumadin). Anticonvulsants (seizure medications) such as: phenytoin (Dilatin), valproic acid (Depakene, Valprotate), trimethadione (Tridione), paramethadione (Paradione), and carbamazepine (Tegretol).
Anti-depressant drug lithium (Eskalith, Lithob). Antimetabolite/anticancer drugs methotrexate (Rheumatrex) and aminopterin. Antirheumatic agent and metal-binder (chelator) penicillamine (Ciprimene, Depen). Antithyroid drugs such as: thiouracil/propylthiouracil and carbimazole/methimazole. Cocaine. DES (diethylstilbestrol), a hormone. Thalidomide (Thalomid) which was approved by the FDA for the treatment of a complication of leprosy (erythema nodosum leprosum).
