Teratogens are a group of drugs that cause birth defects

Drugs that can cause birth defects are called teratogens. A teratogen is a substance that interferes with the normal development of a fetus, particularly during certain gestation periods.  Drugs such as alcohol, cocaine, and meth amphetamine, and some prescription and over-the-counter medications are known to cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

Teratogen drug effects depend on a range of factors including:

• The type of drug
• The size of the dose
• How often it’s taken
• The stage of fetal development (gestational age) at the time of drug exposure
• The individual response of the fetus to the drug
• Other factors, such as maternal diet or illness.

Teratogenic drugs include the following drugs or drug groups:

• ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors
• Angiotensin II antagonist
• Isotretinoin (an acne drug)
• Alcohol
• Cocaine
• High doses of vitamin A
• Lithium
• Male hormones
• Some antibiotics
• Some anticonvulsant medications
• Some cancer-fighting medications
• Some drugs that treat certain rheumatic conditions
• Some thyroid medications
• Thalidomide
• The blood-thinning drug warfarin
• The hormone diethylstilbestrol (DES).