Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation

A Contra-Indication can be defined as a condition in which a drug or a procedure should absolutely not be used as its beneficial effects are outweighed by its adverse or toxic actions.

Highly effective drug therapy started with the discovery of Penicillin. It was then considered a miracle drug as it was effective against a wide range of organisms and a revolution in the medical world was set in motion. However it soon transpired that many people were allergic to penicillin and its derivatives, developed anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions) and died on being treated with the drug. Also the organisms soon developed resistance to the drug, which was therefore no longer effective. This meant the development of more and more drugs, which were stronger, acted faster and were more specific.