Pregnancy: Risk Summary: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. In animal reproduction studies embryo-fetal toxicity (reduced viable fetuses and/or increased post-implantation loss) was noted in pregnant rats and rabbits administered 1 MAC desflurane for 4 hours a day (4 MAC-hours/day) during organogenesis.
Published studies in pregnant primates demonstrate that the administration of anesthetic and sedation drugs that block NMDA receptors and/or potentiate GABA activity during the period of peak brain development increases neuronal apoptosis in the developing brain of the offspring when used for longer than 3 hours. There are no data on pregnancy exposures in primates corresponding to periods prior to the third trimester in humans [see Data as follows].
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations: Labor or Delivery: The safety of SUPRANE during labor or delivery has not been demonstrated. SUPRANE is a uterine-relaxant.
Data: Animal Data: Pregnant rats were exposed to 8.2% desflurane (1 MAC; 60% oxygen) for 0.5, 1.0, or 4.0 hours (0.5, 1.0, or 4.0 MAC-hours) per day during organogenesis (Gestation Day 6-15). Embryo-fetal toxicity (increased post-implantation loss and reduced viable fetuses) was noted in the 4 hour treatment group in the presence of maternal toxicity (reduced body weight gain). There was no evidence of malformations in any group.
Pregnant rabbits were exposed to 8.9% desflurane (1 MAC; 60% oxygen) for 0.5, 1.0, or 3.0 hours per day during organogenesis (Gestation Days 6-18). Fetal toxicity (reduced viable fetuses) was noted in the 3 hour treatment group in the presence of maternal toxicity (reduced body weight). There was no evidence of malformations in any group.
Pregnant rats were exposed to 8.2% desflurane (1 MAC; 60% oxygen) for 0.5, 1.0, or 4.0 hours per day from late gestation and through lactation (Gestation Day 15 to Lactation Day 21). Pup body weights were reduced in the 4 hours per day group in the presence of maternal toxicity (increased mortality and reduced body weight gain). This study did not evaluate neurobehavioral function including learning and memory or reproductive behavior in the first generation (F1) pups.
In a published study in primates, administration of an anesthetic dose of ketamine for 24 hours on Gestation Day 122 increased neuronal apoptosis in the developing brain of the fetus. In other published studies, administration of either isoflurane or propofol for 5 hours on Gestation Day 120 resulted in increased neuronal and oligodendrocyte apoptosis in the developing brain of the offspring. With respect to brain development, this time period corresponds to the third trimester of gestation in the human. The clinical significance of these findings is not clear; however, studies in juvenile animals suggest neuroapoptosis correlates with long-term cognitive deficits [see Pediatric Neurotoxicity and Use in Children under Precautions; Pharmacology: Toxicology: Nonclinical Toxicology: Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology under Actions].
Lactation: It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when SUPRANE is administered to a nursing woman.