Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
[Methamphetamine--a drug of pregnant female drug addicts]
Romana Slamberová1, Petra Charousová
1Ustav normální patologické a klinické fyziologie, 3 LF UK, Praha. rslamber@lf3.cuni.cz
Abstract:
Drug abuse is still a serious problem of nowadays. One of the most abused drugs in the Czech Republic is methamphetamine (MA). MA is strongly addictive substance with high disposition to abuse. It belongs to the group of synthetic amphetamines that together with cocaine and caffeine are classified as psychomotor stimulant drugs. Lately, the growing problem is drug abuse of pregnant women. MA is popular drug in pregnant women dependent on addictive substances. Drugs abused during pregnancy are risky not only for the mother, but may induce changes in developing organism that may have permanent consequences. Prenatal exposure to MA may have teratogenic effects by inducing malformations or impair postnatal functional development of offspring. The impairing effects may last until adulthood and may affect even next generation. Mechanism of these long-term consequences is not fully explained yet. The present review summarizes the existing information.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
Stimulants
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis
