Name: Thalidomide
Class: Teratogen With Immediate Developmental Effects
Mechanism:.
Absorption:
Dist.:
Metabolism.:
Excretion, t½:
Toxicity/S.E.s: Embryonic exposure between weeks 4-7 of gestation ® risk of birth defects, esp. phocomelia. Paternal use of thalidomide can
also result in serious birth defects. Risk only in first trimester.
Utility: Currently used in treatment of leprosy and AIDS.
Special Features: Previously widely used in Europe as a sedative-hypnotic with the result of ~8,000 babies with phocomelia.