Dermatologic Medications in Pregnancy

Dermatologic Medications in Pregnancy, Topical Medications in Pregnancy, Dermatologic Medications in Lactation, Topical Medications in Lactation

Pregnancy Categories will be replaced on medication bottles with specific warnings and precautions by 2020 in U.S.
1. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm425317.htm
2. Although FDA Pregnancy Categories are no longer FDA designated, they are included here
  1. As of 2018, succinct guidance (to replace ABCDX) on specific drugs in pregnancy is lacking

Topical Corticosteroids
1. Low potency Topical Corticosteroids may be used in pregnancy
2. Avoid high potency Topical Corticosteroids in pregnancy due to risk of low birth weight
Topical NSAIDs (e.g. topical Diclofenac or Pennsaid)
1. Avoid in pregnancy
Topical benzocaine
1. Safe for limited use in pregnancy
Topical Retinoids (e.g. Tretinoin, Adapalene)
1. Avoid Retinoids in pregnancy (Teratogenic)
Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors (Protopic, Elidel)
1. Avoid in pregnancy (theoretical risk of prematurity and low birth weight)

Topical Corticosteroids
1. Avoid use on the nipple in Lactation (due to ingestion risk by infant)
Topical NSAIDs (e.g. topical Diclofenac or Pennsaid)
1. Appear to be safe in Lactation
Topical benzocaine
1. Avoid use on the nipple in Lactation (due to ingestion risk by infant with associated Methemoglobinemia)
Topical Retinoids (e.g. Tretinoin, Adapalene)
1. Tretinoin and Adapalene appear safe in Lactation, but limit the use of Tazarotene
Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors (Protopic, Elidel)
1. Appear to be safe in Lactation