Teratogenic substances are agents that can interfere with the normal development of an embryo or fetus, potentially causing pregnancy loss or congenital anomalies. These agents fall into several categories, including certain infections in the mother, chemicals, and drugs. Some drugs known to be teratogenic include:- ACE inhibitors like benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril sodium (Monopril), lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil), lisinopril combined with hydrochlorothiazide (Zestoretic, Prinzide), quinapril (Accupril), and ramipril (Altace).- Acne medications such as isotretinoin (Accutane, Retin-A).- Chronic or binge alcohol consumption.- Androgens, which are male hormones.- Certain antibiotics like tetracycline (Achromycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin), and streptomycin.- The anticoagulant warfarin (Coumadin).- Anticonvulsants including phenytoin (Dilantin), valproic acid (Depakene, Valprotate), trimethadione (Tridione), paramethadione (Paradione), and carbamazepine (Tegretol).- The antidepressant lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid).- Anticancer drugs such as methotrexate (Rheumatrex) and aminopterin.- The antirheumatic and chelating agent penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen).- Antithyroid medications like thiouracil and carbimazole/methimazole.- The synthetic hormone diethylstilbestrol (DES).- Thalidomide (Thalomid), which has been approved by the FDA for treating erythema nodosum leprosum.
