Is this medicine safe in pregnancy?

1. Type a generic drug name such as paracetamol, amoxicillin or sertraline. Results appear as you type.
2. Read the verdict. Each result is marked generally safe, use with caution, or avoid, with the FDA and TGA categories.
3. Check the details. See the teratogenic effects, breastfeeding safety (Hale L-rating) and WHO guideline notes where they exist.

Drugs not in the built-in list are looked up live in the official FDA drug label database, so you still see the manufacturer pregnancy and nursing text.

The FDA replaced these letters with narrative labelling (the Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule) in 2015, but the letters are still widely used as a quick reference. The Australian TGA uses a similar system with categories A, B1, B2, B3, C, D and X. The WHO has no letter categories and gives advice through the Essential Medicines List and clinical guidelines. For breastfeeding, Hale L-ratings run from L1 (safest) to L5 (contraindicated).

• isotretinoin and thalidomide: severe birth defects (category X).
• methotrexate and ribavirin: malformations and miscarriage; contraindicated.
• warfarin: warfarin embryopathy; heparin is usually used instead.
• lisinopril and losartan (ACE inhibitors and ARBs): fetal kidney damage in the second and third trimesters.
• valproate: neural tube defects and developmental problems.
• misoprostol: miscarriage and uterine rupture.
• doxycycline (tetracyclines): tooth discolouration and altered bone growth.
• atorvastatin (statins): usually stopped during pregnancy.

Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Untreated illness can also harm the pregnancy, so always ask your doctor first.

Is paracetamol safe in pregnancy?

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is widely regarded as the preferred pain and fever medicine in pregnancy at usual doses. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time and speak to your doctor if you need it regularly.

What do FDA pregnancy categories A, B, C, D and X mean?

Category A: controlled human studies show no risk. Category B: animal studies show no risk, but well-controlled human studies are lacking. Category C: animal studies show harm or there are no human data, so use only if the benefit outweighs the risk. Category D: there is evidence of human fetal risk, but the benefit may still be acceptable in serious situations. Category X: fetal harm is proven and outweighs any benefit, so the drug is contraindicated. The FDA replaced the letters with narrative labelling in 2015, but they remain a common reference.

Does the WHO have pregnancy drug categories?

No. The WHO does not use letter categories. It gives guidance through the Essential Medicines List and clinical guidelines, which this checker quotes where available.

What does teratogenic mean?

A teratogenic drug can cause birth defects or abnormal development of the fetus. The risk depends on the drug, the dose and the stage of pregnancy, and the first trimester is usually the most sensitive period for malformations.

Is it safe to take medicines while breastfeeding?

Many medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts and most are compatible with breastfeeding. This checker uses Hale L-ratings from L1 (safest) to L5 (contraindicated). Always check with a doctor or pharmacist, especially for newborns and preterm babies.

Can I use this checker instead of seeing a doctor?

No. It is an educational reference and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Never start, stop or change a medicine in pregnancy without medical advice.

Select any drug name to see its full safety details in the checker.

Information is compiled from FDA drug labelling, TGA prescribing categories, WHO Essential Medicines guidance and lactation references (LactMed and Hale). Category systems differ between sources, so a dash means a standard does not list the drug. Last updated: November 2026.