Thalidomide

Definition

Thalidomide is a drug that was originally developed in the late 1950s as a sedative and later prescribed to pregnant women to combat morning sickness. However, it became infamous for causing severe birth defects, particularly limb malformations, when taken during pregnancy, highlighting its role as a teratogen and raising awareness about environmental influences on fetal development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Thalidomide was withdrawn from the market in the early 1960s after it was linked to thousands of cases of birth defects worldwide.
2. The drug caused phocomelia, a condition where babies were born with severely shortened limbs, along with other physical abnormalities.
3. Research has since shown that thalidomide can also be effective in treating certain conditions like multiple myeloma and leprosy, but with strict regulations regarding its use in pregnant women.
4. Thalidomide acts by inhibiting angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels, thereby affecting fetal development during critical periods.
5. The thalidomide tragedy led to significant changes in drug approval processes and regulations to better assess the safety of medications for pregnant women.

Review Questions

• How did the introduction of thalidomide as a treatment for morning sickness reflect the risks associated with teratogens?
  • The introduction of thalidomide showcased the potential dangers of teratogens when used during pregnancy. Initially marketed as a safe remedy for morning sickness, its devastating effects on fetal development revealed the need for rigorous testing of medications intended for pregnant women. The resulting birth defects highlighted the critical importance of understanding how certain drugs can disrupt normal development and prompted regulatory changes to safeguard maternal and fetal health.
• Discuss the mechanisms through which thalidomide caused birth defects in developing fetuses and the importance of timing during pregnancy.
  • Thalidomide caused birth defects primarily through its effects on angiogenesis, disrupting blood vessel formation during crucial stages of limb development. The timing of exposure is vital; when taken during the first trimester, it had a higher likelihood of resulting in severe limb malformations. This emphasized how sensitive fetal development is to environmental influences at specific periods, highlighting the need for caution with medication use during pregnancy.
• Evaluate the impact of thalidomide's history on modern drug regulation and its implications for future pharmaceutical practices.
  • The history of thalidomide profoundly influenced modern drug regulation by leading to more stringent requirements for testing medications on pregnant populations. The fallout from its widespread use prompted a reevaluation of how drugs are assessed for safety and efficacy, particularly concerning teratogenic effects. As a result, contemporary pharmaceutical practices emphasize rigorous preclinical and clinical trials that include diverse populations to mitigate risks associated with potential teratogens and ensure better outcomes for both mothers and their infants.

Related terms

Teratogen: Any substance or factor that can cause malformation or abnormal development in a fetus during pregnancy.

Fetal Development: The process by which a fetus grows and develops inside the womb, influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

Birth Defects: Physical or functional abnormalities that occur during development before birth, often due to genetic or environmental factors.