Iodoquinol Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Iodoquinol Pregnancy Warnings

Iodoquinol use during pregnancy has been described in two patients with acrodermatitis enteropathica. In one patient, iodoquinol was given throughout pregnancy, beginning at dosages of 1.3 grams per day. The dosage was increased to 6.5 grams per day by the end of the pregnancy to control exacerbations of dermatitis. A normal male infant was delivered. Another woman took iodoquinol during the second and third trimester to control cutaneous lesions. She delivered a achondroplastic dwarf which died shortly after birth.

The Collaborative Perinatal Project reported 169 exposures during the first trimester and 172 exposures anytime during pregnancy. Birth defects were reported in 10 infants following first trimester exposure (relative risk of 0.88). Congenital hip dislocation accounted for three of these birth defects (relative risk of 6.6). For use anytime during pregnancy, six birth defects were reported (3.6 expected, relative risk of 1.7). Congenital hip dislocation was also reported in three of these infants (relative risk of 6.6). Independent confirmation is needed to confirm association between iodoquinol use during pregnancy and adverse fetal outcome.

Iodoquinol has not been formally assigned to a pregnancy category by the FDA. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Iodoquinol is only recommended for use during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk.

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