Rivotril Use In Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: From preclinical studies, it cannot be excluded that clonazepam possesses the possibility of producing congenital malformations. From epidemiological evaluations, there is evidence that anticonvulsant drugs act as teratogens. However, it is difficult to determine from published epidemiological reports which drug or combination of drugs is responsible for defects in the newborn. The possibility also exists that other factors, e.g. genetic factors, or the epileptic condition itself may be more important than drug therapy in leading to birth defects. Under these circumstances, the drug should only be administered to pregnant women if the potential benefits outweigh the risk to the fetus.
During pregnancy, Rivotril may be administered only if there is a compelling indication. Administration of high doses in the last trimester of pregnancy or during labour can cause irregularities in the heartbeat of the unborn child and hypothermia, hypotonia, mild respiratory depression and poor feeding in the neonate. It should be borne in mind that both pregnancy itself and abrupt discontinuation of the medication can cause exacerbation of epilepsy.
Labor and Delivery: See Pregnancy as previously mentioned.
Nursing Mothers: Although the active ingredient of Rivotril has been found to pass into the maternal milk in small amounts only, mothers undergoing treatment with this drug should not breastfeed. If there is a compelling indication for Rivotril, breastfeeding should be discontinued.