TGA slaps pregnancy safety warning on common ADHD drug

The regulator now classifies the stimulant medication as Category D and suggests avoiding scripts for women of childbearing age
Pregnant woman

Pregnant women should not be prescribed ADHD medications containing methylphenidate because of the heightened risk of fetal cardiac malformations, the TGA warns.

Doctors have been advised against prescribing the stimulant, which is also indicated for narcolepsy, to any woman of childbearing age unless “the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks”.