Inderal LA and Pregnancy (Cont.)

Research Findings on Inderal LA and Pregnancy

Studies that were done on pregnant mice and rats showed an increased risk of both temporary and permanent complications to the fetus with Inderal LA. When these same studies were done in rabbits, however, Inderal LA showed no negative effects. It is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do.
 
Little human research has been done on the effects of Inderal LA on the fetus. There have been individual reports of slowed intrauterine growth, small placentas, and birth defects in women who took Inderal LA during pregnancy. There have also been reports of a very low heart rate, low blood sugars, and/or decreased breathing in some women when beta blockers were used during childbirth. Yet, there have been many women over the years who have taken Inderal LA during pregnancy without any problems.
 

Inderal LA and Pregnancy: Suggestions

The conflicting animal research, along with sporadic cases of problems with Inderal LA during pregnancy, is why the drug has been given a classification of Category C. Inderal LA could potentially cause harm to your unborn child, but the exact risk is not known. This is why, in some situations, your healthcare provider will recommend Inderal LA during pregnancy and in other situations he or she will not recommend it.
 
The key is letting your healthcare provider know immediately if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Inderal LA. He or she will consider both the benefits and risks of using Inderal LA during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation. Together, you and your healthcare provider can then decide what is best for you and your child.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;