Under medical supervision, some women have successfully used adenosine and digoxin during pregnancy, but that doesn't mean that the two drugs are guaranteed safe. When you are pregnant, some prescription drugs can adversely impact your baby's development. Your doctor may advise that you temporarily stop taking those medications, adjust your dosage or suggest alternative treatments for your medical condition. In many cases, there is simply not enough research available about the medication. Your doctor will his best judgment, balancing your medical needs against those of your unborn child.
Safety Ratings
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration rates medications based on their potential harm to a fetus. The scale ranges from A to D, with a special X rating reserved for drugs that should never be used during pregnancy. An A rating means that the drug poses no risk; B-rated drugs pose no risk to humans, but researchers have observed abnormalities in animal studies; C-rated drugs may be risky, but further research is necessary and D-rated drugs pose a proven risk. The FDA gives C ratings to both adenosine and digoxin. In general, the potential benefits of C-rated drugs exceed their risks.
Adenosine
Doctors prescribe adenosine to normalize an irregular heartbeat. Your physician may administer the medication via injection in her office or you may be instructed how to self-administer the drug at home. Don't panic if you become pregnant while taking adenosine. The majority of women take at least one prescription drug while pregnant. Seek medical attention as soon as you suspect that you are pregnant. Pregnancy places extra stress on your heart. If you begin your pregnancy with a heart condition, you will need special care.
Digoxin
Like adenosine, digoxin helps regulate your heart rhythm. Doctors usually prescribe digoxin to treat congestive heart failure, a condition in which your heart does not pump enough blood. Before taking supplements during your pregnancy, inform your doctor of your digoxin use. Digoxin can interact with certain vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements. Both digoxin and adenosine can affect your breast milk, so check with your doctor if you are planning to breast-feed.
Research
Your doctor may adjust your use of adenosine or digoxin as your pregnancy progresses. There is little research documenting the effect of adenosine during the first trimester. In the January 2011 issue of the "Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada," researchers write that adenosine should be used only during the second and third trimesters. In the March 2001 issue of the "European Heart Journal," researchers write that digoxin dosing may need to be adjusted in the third trimester.
References
- British Journal of Anaesthesia: Supraventricular Tachycardia in Pregnancy
- European Heart Journal: Treatment of Tachyarrhythmias During Pregnancy and Lactation
- American Pregnancy Association: FDA Drug Category Ratings
- Drugs.com: Adenosine
- Drugs.com: Digoxin
- Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada: The Acute Treatment of Maternal Supraventricular Tachycardias During Pregnancy -- a Review of the Literature
