What is the pregnancy category for Amiodarone Hydrochloride?

Amiodarone Hydrochloride is classified as pregnancy category D. This category indicates that there is evidence of human fetal risk based on human data, but the potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks. Amiodarone has been associated with adverse effects on fetal development, particularly due to its structural and functional similarities to thyroid hormones and its potential to cause cardiac issues in the fetus.

It is important for healthcare providers to weigh the potential risks and benefits when prescribing Amiodarone to pregnant individuals, indicating caution in its use during pregnancy. The options indicating categories A, B, or C do not apply to Amiodarone, as these categories refer to drugs that have not demonstrated risk in human studies (A), are considered safe for pregnancy (B), or have shown adverse effects in animal studies but not confirmed in human studies (C). Thus, none of these lower-risk categories fit the profile of Amiodarone, supporting the classification as category D.