Takzare N, Bakhtiarian A, Saeedi E, Nekoui V,
Volume 68, Issue 10 (1-2011)
Abstract
Background: Alprazolam belongs to benzodiazepine family and is increasingly used these days
by pregnant women. It should be noticed that alprazolam exposure during
pregnancy may have teratogenic effects on the fetus. Till now, limited studies
have been conducted on the teratogenic effect of alprazolam. In this study,
teratogenicity of alprazolam intake during pregnancy and its effects on fetus
development was investigated.
Methods: About 20 virgin rats of known age and weight were
selected. After being pregnant, they were divided into four groups which
contained five animals in each group: Negative and positive control groups. The
case group exposed to 1 to 6
mg/kg/day alprazolam. The fetuses were first studied macroscopically regarding
anomalies, and then histologically and histochemically to inspect the defects
of tissue organogenesis.
Results: Our results show that there was significant difference especially at the dose 6
mg/kg weight and length of the cases compared to the control group.
It appeared that at the dose of 6 mg/kg/day, cleft lip
and palates were seen in the animals. The highest anomalies of limbs were also
seen at the dose of 6 mg/kg/day. The statistical results indicate that
alprazolam intake during the second half of pregnancy can lead to irreversible
anomalies.
Conclusion: Our results indicate that alprazolam in doses higher than 4
mg/kg/day might cause teratogenic effect. It seems that benzodiazepine therapy
among pregnant woman would be better to avoid during the first trimester and
multidrug regimens.
