Drug delivery during pregnancy: evaluation in vitro of new drugs.
Indications for the treatment of the pregnant woman fall into three general categories: mother and infant require treatment, only the mother should be treated, or only the infant. Directing therapy towards the affected subject is an important aspect of good care, although it is not the only one. It is argued that a rational selection of the appropriate drug can be made without endangering mother or infant, with the aid of select laboratory investigations, including placental perfusion, and a knowledge of placental physiology. Examples are presented to support this contention. The intra-amniotic administration of drugs is briefly discussed. A plea is made to develop drugs that are designed specifically for use during pregnancy.
Dancis
J
J
Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York 10016, USA.
Liebes
L
L
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy; D000818:Animals; D003042:Cocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D004358:Drug Therapy; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy*
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D003042:Cocaine