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DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-832689
Clozapine and Pregnancy
A Case HistoryPublication History
Received: 15.4.2003
Revised: 11.9.2003
Accepted: 21.1.2004
Publication Date:
19 November 2004 (online)
Introduction
According to the FDA, clozapine [1] is listed in category B [4], which includes drugs for which there is a lack of evidence about its teratogenic effects in humans. In the opinion of some investigators, the use of clozapine during pregnancy is connected with the potential risk of birth defects (category C), for example retinopathy [8] and toxic effects of a newborn: seizures and withdrawal phenomenon [9], gastroesophageal reflux [2], neonatal risk of clozapine-induced agranulocytosis [7] and risk of ”floppy infant syndrome” [3]. Based on the report of the Novartis it can be confirmed that clozapine is not a major teratogen [4].
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H. Karakula, M.D., PhD.
Department of Psychiatry
Medical University of Lublin
Ul. Kurantowa 4 m. 117
20-836 Lublin
Poland
Email: karakulahw@poczta.onet.pl