Embryotoxicology and Drug Safety - Essay Example

"Embryotoxicology and Drug Safety" is a good example of a paper on pregnancy.
The Drug Safety Society (2009) reported that the placenta shield against all external interference including drugs was not dismissed until the mid 29th century. Safety from possible adverse effects caused by drugs has since become a major concern, has been possible to demonstrate how this belief was wrong. Study and research findings revealed that with a more technologically advanced world, a chemical interaction was unavoidable. How safe the fetus is as well as bearing in mind of the immuno-compromised condition of the mother was an alarm to rise. Despite the fact that the route could be used to treat some fatal diseases, caution on the two biological systems must be taken. Drug research targeting teratogenicity and other harmful interactions should be heightened having observed that direct contact of the chemicals happens on the fetus according to Koren (2007). Physiological properties of the fetus are susceptible to alterations and damages, even if the vital stages of prenatal development have already passed. Therefore, considerable attention should be paid to how the pharmacological mechanism of the maternal system adapts to pregnancy as well as how sensitive the fetal system is to chemical substances. 

Koren in his work (2007) found out that due to the susceptibility of the fetal system to drugs and chemical substances within the maternal system, it is imperative to perform risk assessments before administering a certain drug to a pregnant woman. Human interaction with teratogens is a serious consequence on the health of the fetus, not to mention their possible detrimental effects on the maternal system. For instance, alcohol is the commonest substance with teratogenic capacity whose effect has been felt at least in every part of the world. Fetal Alcoholic Syndrome resulting from the interaction thereon is widespread to estimates of about one per a hundred live births according to Koren (2007). The other examples of the several conditions that can now be traced back to the usage of anticonvulsant medication include; cognitive impairment, urinogenital defects, cleft palate, and congenital heart defects. 

Embryotoxicology reveals many substances that affect the fetus in various negative ways, not necessarily teratogenicity. Such embryotoxic substances include organic solvents when inhaled, even if teratogenic levels can be detected and duly avoided by smelling (Tisdale & Miller, 2010). Risks involved for such are; hydrocephaly, malformed skeletal structure, cardiovascular malformations, blood defects dysfunctional neurodevelopment. Maternal toxicity is also possible through exposure to some of the risky toxins.

Tisdale and Miller, (2010), stated that drug physiological determinants of the patient considerably changes in pregnancy among other factors. Women's interaction with drugs changes when pregnant and this exposes them to some risks which include an altered mechanism of action. Since drug pharmacokinetic design is very important, the specialized conditions of the pregnant should be borne in mind. Drug interaction conditions may be important in cracking the drug improvement for pregnant women. Constipation may be induced in pregnant women when certain drug metabolism requirements alter their physiological needs. 

Conclusion

Things to learn on this topic

Drug safety during pregnancy entails the issues surrounding embryotoxocology, teratogenicity, maternal drug interaction as well as treatment and management of their conditions. Risk assessment and drug research on these topics are also expected as observed in the literature review.