Safety of Dermatologic Medications in Pregnancy and Lactation

    David F. Butler, Misha M. Heller, Jenny E. Murase
    Image of study
    TLDR Most dermatologic medications are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but some should be avoided due to potential risks.
    The document reviewed the safety of various dermatologic medications during pregnancy and lactation, providing guidance for clinicians. It concluded that topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, biologic medications like etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab, systemic corticosteroids, second-generation antihistamines, and certain systemic antifungals and antivirals were generally safe with minimal infant exposure. However, high potency steroids, direct nipple application, coal tar, methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin, dapsone, mycophenolate mofetil, rituximab, isotretinoin, griseofulvin, lindane, and malathion were advised against due to potential risks. The review emphasized monitoring and timing of breastfeeding to minimize infant exposure for certain medications.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Seborrheic dermatitis - can it cause long-term shedding (or telogen effluvium)?

      in Advice  6 upvotes 4 years ago
      A user is experiencing significant hair loss and scalp issues despite using Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841 since 2017. They switched to oral Minoxidil and are now on isotretinoin and topical corticosteroids for seborrheic dermatitis but continue to lose hair and seek advice on whether inflammation or treatment changes are the cause.

      community Totally confused by doctors opinions, would appreciate some clarity

      in Treatment  1 upvotes 2 weeks ago
      The user is experiencing hair loss and confusion over conflicting medical advice, with treatments including minoxidil, finasteride, and topical corticosteroids. They are unsure about the necessity of a biopsy and the timing of using minoxidil, while also considering the impact of potential androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium.

      community The Worst Hair Loss Condition You (MAY) have: LPP

      in Research/Science  43 upvotes 3 months ago
      Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) is an autoimmune condition causing permanent hair loss and fibrosis, often misdiagnosed. Treatments include pioglitazone, topical corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medication, and Jak inhibitors.

      community 14 months into fin + min and my hair is way worse than before

      in Chat  22 upvotes 2 months ago
      The user experienced worsening hair loss despite using finasteride, minoxidil, and microneedling. Suggestions included reducing microneedling frequency, switching to oral minoxidil, adding tretinoin, and considering dutasteride.

      community antihistamine for scalp inflammation??

      in Chat  6 upvotes 3 months ago
      Cetirizine 10mg daily reduced hair shedding by 50% and lessened scalp itchiness. The user is considering long-term use for scalp inflammation and hair loss.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results
      Treatment Options for Alopecia Areata

      research Treatment Options for Alopecia Areata

      4 citations, September 2011 in “Expert Review of Dermatology”
      Various treatments exist for alopecia areata, but none are completely satisfactory; choice depends on age, disease extent, and preference.
      Cutaneous Drug Reactions

      research Cutaneous Drug Reactions

      1 citations, January 2010 in “Elsevier eBooks”
      Any drug can cause skin reactions, but antibiotics, NSAIDs, and psychotropic drugs are more common, with some reactions being life-threatening.
      Acne and Acneiform Eruptions

      research Acne and Acneiform Eruptions

      2 citations, January 2011 in “Elsevier eBooks”
      Early treatment of acne is crucial to prevent scarring and psychological effects.

      research 1,314

      May 2022 in “Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association”
      The convention highlighted the importance of comprehensive patient care and early diagnosis in dermatology.