Bontril and Pregnancy

Bontril and Pregnancy – An Introduction

Bontril® (phendimetrazine tartrate) is available on prescription and is meant for weight loss. However, the safety of its use in pregnant women is not known.

Bontril and Pregnancy - Categories

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a category system whereby risks to a fetus on using specific medications during pregnancy are classified. Each category has detailed requirements; however, generally the categories are as mentioned below:

* Category A – Considered Safe
* Category B – Probably Safe
* Category C – Might or Might Not be Safe
* Category D – Probably Unsafe
* Category X – Surely Not Safe

Bontril has not been assigned a pregnancy rating, most likely as it is an older medication. However, related drugs have been assigned a rating of X Category; whereas a few others were assigned C. Chemically, Bontril is related to amphetamines and amphetamines are known to cause miscarriages and birth defects. Moreover, there is no genuine reason for using Bontril during pregnancy, especially since the likely risks of using the medication greatly prevail over the advantages. Also, one can lose weight through much safer means. There has been no study of the use of Bontril in any pregnant women or animals.

Bontril and Pregnancy – Summing Up

If case you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before you start any drug. The use of Bontril is not advisable during pregnancy. If you have issues with regard to your weight during pregnancy, discuss the same with your doctor.