Spotlight

In the June issue of Prescrire International: decongestants during pregnancy - risks for the unborn child

Summary

The decongestants that are sometimes proposed as a treatment for ear, nose and throat symptoms are sympathomimetic vasoconstrictors.
In addition to the risk of cardiovascular events and neurological disorders, sympathomimetic decongestants have teratogenic potential, albeit weak, when taken during the first trimester of pregnancy, probably through disruption of the vascular system of the embryo and the pregnant woman.
In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, the fetus is exposed to the same adverse effects as the mother.

Full text available for free download.