Drug causing neural tube defects – Pharmacology MCQ

Intake of which of the following is associated with neural tube defects?
A. Phenytoin
B. Lithium
C. Valproate
D. Phenobarbitone

Correct answer : C. Valproate

• Valproate is a teratogenic drug which causes spina bifida and other neural tube defects in the fetus when taken by pregnant women. It can also cause heart and limb abnormalities.
• Lithium can cause fetal goitre and cardiac abnormalities.
• Phenytoin can cause fetal hydantoin syndrome which is characterised by hypoplasia of the phalanges, cleft lip, cleft palate and microcephaly.

Spina bifida occulta – Xray pelvis

Ref: KDT 7th, p89