Pharmacology · patient case question
Which drug is contraindicated in pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester?
Patient case: Drug contraindicated in the third trimester
Scenario: Which drug is contraindicated in a pregnant patient in the THIRD trimester?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Ibuprofen
- A. Local anaesthetics including lidocaine with epinephrine are safe in pregnancy at normal dental doses; adequate anaesthesia reduces endogenous stress catecholamines.
- B. Acetaminophen is the analgesic of choice throughout pregnancy.
- C. Penicillins are among the safest antibiotics in pregnancy. (The classic antibiotics to AVOID are tetracyclines — tooth staining and skeletal effects.)
- D. Correct. NSAIDs are avoided in the third trimester because prostaglandin inhibition causes PREMATURE CLOSURE OF THE DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS, and also oligohydramnios, impaired fetal renal function, prolonged labour and increased peripartum bleeding.