Diuretics PREGNANCY CATEGORY B OR C Therapeutic Actions Diuretics are divided into several subgroups. Thiazide and thiazide-related diuretics inhibit reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the distal renal tubule, increasing…

Corticosteroids PREGNANCY CATEGORY C Therapeutic Actions Corticosteroids enter target cells and bind to cytoplasmic receptors, initiating many complex reactions that are responsible for anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive (glucocorticoid), and salt-retaining (mineralocorticoid) actions….

Cephalosporins PREGNANCY CATEGORY B Therapeutic Actions Cephalosporins are antibiotics. They are bactericidal, inhibiting synthesis of bacterial cell wall, causing cell death in susceptible bacteria. Indications Treatment of pharyngitis, tonsillitis caused…

Calcium Channel Blockers PREGNANCY CATEGORY C Therapeutic Actions Calcium channel blockers are antianginal and antihypertensive. They inhibit the movement of calcium ions across the membranes of cardiac and arterial muscle…

Bisphosphonates PREGNANCY CATEGORY D (PARENTERAL) PREGNANCY CATEGORY C (ORAL) Therapeutic Actions Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption, possibly by inhibiting osteoclast activity and promoting osteoclast cell apoptosis; this action leads to decreased…

Beta-adrenergic Blockers (β-blockers) PREGNANCY CATEGORY C (MOST) PREGNANCY CATEGORY D (ATENOLOL) PREGNANCY CATEGORY B (ACEBUTOLOL, PINDOLOL, SOTALOL) Therapeutic Actions Beta-adrenergic blockers are antianginals, antiarrhythmics, and antihypertensives. These drugs competitively block…

Benzodiazepines PREGNANCY CATEGORY D OR X CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE C-IV Therapeutic Actions Benzodiazepines are anxiolytics, antiepileptics, muscle relaxants, and sedative-hypnotics. Their exact mechanisms of action are not understood, but it is…

Barbiturates PREGNANCY CATEGORY D PREGNANCY CATEGORY C (THIOPENTAL) PREGNANCY CATEGORY B (METHOHEXITAL) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE C-II Therapeutic Actions Barbiturates act as sedatives, hypnotics, antiepileptics, and general anesthetics. They are general CNS…

Antivirals PREGNANCY CATEGORY B OR C Therapeutic Actions Antiviral drugs inhibit viral DNA or RNA replication in the virus, preventing replication and leading to viral death. Indications Initial and recurrent…

Antimigraine Drugs (Triptans) PREGNANCY CATEGORY C Therapeutic Actions Triptans bind to serotonin receptors to cause vascular constrictive effects on cranial blood vessels, causing the relief of migraine in selective patients….