Anticonvulsants in pregnancy.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To review the potential problems and their management associated with the use of anticonvulsant drugs during pregnancy. DATA SOURCES: Studies published between 1968 and 1990 assessing the effect of pregnancy on the pharmacokinetics of anticonvulsant drugs, the teratogenicity of anticonvulsants, breast feeding and anticonvulsants and use of the oral contraceptive pill in patients taking anticonvulsant medication, were reviewed. RESULTS OF DATA SYNTHESIS: In general, plasma levels fall during pregnancy and rise during the puerperium. A number of factors including possible reduced absorption, increased volume of distribution, reduced protein binding, increased clearance and noncompli..