Which antiemetic used in hyperemesis gravidarum is noted to have a cleft palate risk?

Which antiemetic used in hyperemesis gravidarum is noted to have a cleft palate risk?

• A. Metoclopramide
• B. Diphenhydramine
• C. Ondansetron
• D. Promethazine

Answer: (C)

Exposure to certain antiemetics in early pregnancy can influence fetal development, and one risk often tested is congenital orofacial malformations such as cleft palate with specific agents. Ondansetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist commonly used for hyperemesis gravidarum, has been studied for teratogenic risk, and some data point to a small increased likelihood of cleft palate with first-trimester exposure. This makes it the antiemetic most notably linked to that particular risk. Other options have different safety profiles. Metoclopramide is more associated with maternal extrapyramidal symptoms and other side effects rather than a clear cleft palate signal. Diphenhydramine and promethazine are antihistamines with sedative and anticholinergic effects and other concerns, but they are not classically tied to cleft palate risk in standard teaching.

Exposure to certain antiemetics in early pregnancy can influence fetal development, and one risk often tested is congenital orofacial malformations such as cleft palate with specific agents. Ondansetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist commonly used for hyperemesis gravidarum, has been studied for teratogenic risk, and some data point to a small increased likelihood of cleft palate with first-trimester exposure. This makes it the antiemetic most notably linked to that particular risk.

Other options have different safety profiles. Metoclopramide is more associated with maternal extrapyramidal symptoms and other side effects rather than a clear cleft palate signal. Diphenhydramine and promethazine are antihistamines with sedative and anticholinergic effects and other concerns, but they are not classically tied to cleft palate risk in standard teaching.