see also:
| TGA category | meaning |
|---|---|
| Cat A | Appears to be safe Medications that have been taken by a large number of pregnant women or women of child bearing age without evidence of an increase in foetal malformations or other harmful effects Examples: paracetamol, metoclopramide, amoxycillin, cephalexin |
| Cat C | Probably safe except perhaps in days prior to delivery Due to their pharmacological effect these medications are thought to cause harmful effects on the foetus (eg. respiratory depression or hypoglycaemia on delivery) which are reversible. No evidence of malformations has been found. Examples: oxycodone, benzodiazepines, metformin |
| Cat B | Probably safe These medications have only been taken by a small number of pregnant women, but there is no evidence to suggest an increase in harmful effects or foetal malformations. Animal studies support this but human studies are inadequate. Examples: clopidogrel, azithromycin |
| Cat B2 | Probably safe but consider an alternative These medications have only been taken by a small number of pregnant women, but there is no evidence to suggest an increase in harmful effects or foetal malformations. Limited animal studies support this. Examples: meropenem, vancomycin |
| Cat B3 | Consider an alternative These medications have only been taken by a small number of pregnant women. Animal studies indicate an increase in foetal damage, but the human significance is uncertain at this stage. Examples: duloxetine, ketamine, esomeprazole |
| Cat D | Contraindicated! Medications which are known to cause foetal malformations and/or irreversible damage. Examples: warfarin, ACE inhibitors, statins |
| Cat X | Contraindicated! Medications known to cause permanent foetal damage and should NOT be used in pregnant women or women in whom pregnancy is possible. Category X medications should not be handled by health professionals who are pregnant or are of childbearing age. Examples: thalidomide, finasteride |