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Secobarbital Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Seconal Sodium

Secobarbital Pregnancy Warnings

Human studies suggest that barbiturate use is connected to a higher than expected incidence of fetal abnormalities. Fetal blood levels approached maternal levels with parenteral administration. This drug crosses the placental barrier and distributes in fetal tissues, including the placenta, liver, and brain. Use during the first and third trimesters may be associated with an increased risk of teratogenicity and withdrawal symptoms in the newborn, respectively. This drug decreases the force and frequency of uterine contractions when used at full anesthetic doses. The effects of this drug on later growth, development, and functional maturity of pediatric patients are unknown.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

Benefit should outweigh risk.

US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned.

Risk Summary: Barbiturates can cause fetal damage when given during pregnancy.

Comments:
-Use of adequate methods of contraception should be encouraged.
-If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential harm to the fetus.
-If used during labor, the newborn should be monitored for respiratory depression; resuscitation equipment should be available.
-If used during pregnancy, the newborn should be monitored for acute withdrawal syndrome symptoms for up to 14 days after birth (e.g., hyperirritability, seizures).

See references

Secobarbital Breastfeeding Warnings

Caution is recommended.

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comments:
-The effects in the nursing infant are unknown.
-The American Academy of Pediatrics classifies this drug as compatible with breastfeeding.
-Some experts recommend the use of alternative agents (e.g., zaleplon, zolpidem), especially while nursing a newborn or premature infant.

See references

References for pregnancy information

  1. Product Information. Seconal Sodium (secobarbital). Lilly, Eli and Company. 2001;PROD.
  2. Product Information. Seconal Sodium (secobarbital). Marathon Pharmaceuticals. 2010.

References for breastfeeding information

  1. Product Information. Seconal Sodium (secobarbital). Lilly, Eli and Company. 2001;PROD.
  2. Product Information. Seconal Sodium (secobarbital). Marathon Pharmaceuticals. 2010.
  3. United States National Library of Medicine. Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT 2013.
  4. Briggs GG, Freeman RK. Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health. 2015.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.