Which of the following medications is considered safest for a pregnant patient to use?

During pregnancy, medication safety is classified by theFDA Pregnancy Categories(prior to 2015) or thePregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule (PLLR)(current system).

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is considered the safest analgesic for pregnant women, especially for treating mild to moderate pain or fever.

It hasno known teratogenic effectswhen used at recommended doses.

A. Isotretinoin❌→Severe risk in pregnancy (Category X / Contraindicated)

Causes severe birth defects(craniofacial, cardiac, and central nervous system malformations).

Requires enrollment in theiPLEDGE programto prevent pregnancy exposure.

C. Lovastatin❌→Not safe in pregnancy (Category X / Contraindicated)

Cholesterol-lowering statins are teratogenic, as fetal development requires cholesterol.

D. Triazolam❌→Not safe in pregnancy (Category X / Contraindicated)

A benzodiazepine that can cause birth defects, neonatal withdrawal syndrome, and CNS depression in the fetus.

FDA Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule (PLLR)– Discusses medication risks in pregnancy.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Guidelines– Listsacetaminophen as the preferred pain reliever during pregnancy.

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline– Covers drug safety in special populations, including pregnancy.

Why Not the Other Options?Key References: