Stemetil Tablets: Safe During Pregnancy?

Stemetil tablets are used to treat balance problems or dizziness (vertigo), nausea and vomiting, schizophrenia, over-active behaviour or thoughts (mania), and anxiety. The drug's active ingredient, prochlorperazine maleate, belongs to a group of medicines called 'phenothiazine antipsychotics'. While Stemetil can be taken during pregnancy, medical professionals advise that it should only be taken if clearly needed and if the benefits outweigh the risks to the foetus. There is limited data on the impact of Stemetil on human pregnancies, but animal studies have revealed evidence of harmful effects, and there is a possibility of teratogenic effects in humans.

Stemetil is an antiemetic

Stemetil comes in different forms, including tablets, syrup, mouth-dissolving tablets, injectables, and suppositories. The tablets are typically taken two to three times a day for nausea and vomiting, and three to four times a day for dizziness. It is important to note that Stemetil should not be used during pregnancy unless advised by a doctor, as it may cause side effects in newborn babies.

Stemetil can cause various side effects, including dry mouth, drowsiness, restlessness, blurred vision, and low blood pressure. It can also cause more serious side effects, such as unusual muscle tone or spasms, a sudden increase in body temperature, severe convulsions, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any side effects, it is important to seek medical advice immediately.

It is important to note that Stemetil may interact with other medications and can increase the effects of alcohol. Therefore, it is crucial to inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking before starting Stemetil. Additionally, you should avoid alcohol consumption while taking Stemetil.

Stemetil is not recommended for pregnant women

Stemetil is the brand name for prochlorperazine maleate, a medicine used to treat balance problems or dizziness (vertigo), stop patients from feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting), treat schizophrenia, treat over-active behaviour or thoughts (mania), and treat anxiety in the short term when used in addition to other medicines.

If Stemetil is used during pregnancy, the dose and duration of treatment should be as low and short as possible. Neonates exposed to Stemetil during the third trimester are at risk of developing severe and/or prolonged side effects, including agitation, tremors, somnolence, respiratory distress, and feeding disorder. These side effects have varied in severity and duration, with some neonates requiring intensive care support and prolonged hospitalization.

If Stemetil is used during labor, it should be withheld until the cervix is dilated 3 to 4 cm. Exposed neonates should be monitored for the signs and symptoms of extrapyramidal syndrome and/or withdrawal.

Stemetil may cause side effects in newborns

Stemetil, an antiemetic medication, is not recommended for use during pregnancy. While there is limited evidence on its effects on the foetus, animal studies have shown harmful impacts, and it is known to cause side effects in newborns.

Stemetil has been linked to various side effects in newborn babies, particularly when taken during the last trimester of pregnancy. These side effects include shaking, muscle stiffness and/or weakness, sleepiness, agitation, breathing problems, and difficulty feeding. In some cases, these side effects can be severe and prolonged, requiring intensive care support and prolonged hospitalisation.

The use of Stemetil during the last third of pregnancy has been associated with transient effects on the nervous system in newborns during the first four weeks of life. These effects can include tremors, involuntary movements, and increased muscle tone.

It is important to note that the dose and duration of Stemetil treatment during pregnancy should be minimised as much as possible to reduce the potential risks to the foetus. If used during labour, Stemetil should be withheld until the cervix is dilated 3 to 4 cm. Additionally, newborns exposed to Stemetil in the womb should be monitored for signs and symptoms of extrapyramidal syndrome and/or withdrawal.

Stemetil is a phenothiazine antipsychotic

As a phenothiazine antipsychotic, Stemetil should not be taken if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. This is because Stemetil can cause symptoms such as shaking, muscle stiffness, sleepiness, agitation, breathing problems, and difficulty feeding in newborn babies whose mothers have taken the drug in the last trimester of pregnancy. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Stemetil.

Stemetil should also not be taken if you are allergic to prochlorperazine, phenothiazine medicines such as chlorpromazine, or any of the other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet. Additionally, it is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Stemetil if you have heart problems, a history of stroke, liver or kidney problems, thyroid issues, an enlarged prostate gland, a family history of blood clots, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, depression, a phaeochromocytoma tumour, myasthenia gravis, glaucoma, low white blood cell count, low blood levels of potassium, calcium, and magnesium, or if you are not eating properly or are underweight.

Stemetil can also interact with other medications, including sedatives, barbiturates, antidepressants, medicines for Parkinson's disease, epilepsy medications, drugs that control heart rate, high blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, cytotoxics, antibiotics, antacids, anticholinergics, amphetamines, adrenaline, desferrioxamine, and lithium. It is important to inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medications, including herbal remedies, to ensure safe use of Stemetil.

Stemetil may be prescribed if benefits outweigh risks

Stemetil, an antiemetic medication, is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy. However, in certain circumstances, it may be prescribed if the potential benefits are deemed to outweigh the risks to the fetus. This decision is typically made by a doctor or healthcare provider, who carefully weighs the risks and benefits.

Stemetil is a brand name for the drug prochlorperazine, which belongs to a group of medicines called 'phenothiazine antipsychotics'. It is used to treat various conditions, including balance problems, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, schizophrenia, over-active behaviour, thoughts of anxiety, and mania. While it can be an effective medication for these issues, special considerations must be made when it comes to pregnancy.

The use of Stemetil during pregnancy is a complex issue. On the one hand, there is limited data available on its effects on human pregnancy. Animal studies have shown evidence of harmful effects, and there is a possibility of teratogenic effects (birth defects) in humans. Additionally, there have been reports of extrapyramidal and withdrawal symptoms in exposed neonates, including agitation, tremors, and respiratory distress. These side effects can vary in severity and duration, and some neonates may require intensive care and prolonged hospitalization.

However, on the other hand, there may be situations where the benefits of taking Stemetil during pregnancy may outweigh the potential risks. For example, if a pregnant woman is experiencing severe nausea and vomiting that is affecting her overall health and well-being, a doctor may prescribe Stemetil to alleviate these symptoms. In such cases, the dose and duration of treatment would be kept as low and short as possible to minimize potential risks to the fetus.

It is important to note that Stemetil should be withheld during labor until the cervix is dilated 3 to 4 cm. Additionally, neonates exposed to Stemetil during the third trimester should be monitored for signs and symptoms of extrapyramidal syndrome and/or withdrawal.

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