SUMMARY: Sulpiride is a typical antipsychotic used in the treatment of acute and chronic schizophrenia. There are very limited data available on which to base an assessment of the safety of sulpiride in pregnancy. 

In comparison with the general population, there is an increased incidence of adverse neonatal effects in the offspring of women with psychotic illnesses treated with antipsychotics. These effects include features of neonatal withdrawal such as hyperexcitability, jitteriness, lethargy and feeding problems. The relative contributions of the underlying condition and the drug treatments used for treatment have not been clearly defined. These symptoms are likely to be more severe in infants exposed to several CNS drugs. Low birthweight and small for dates (SFD) babies have been reported among infants exposed in utero to typical antipsychotics, including sulpiride. 

Where a woman is stabilised on sulpiride preconceptually or during pregnancy, the risk of discontinuing, changing medication or reducing the dose should be carefully weighed against the risk to both mother and child of relapse of the maternal condition. Where clinically appropriate, the limitations of the available data and the pros and cons of sulpiride use in pregnancy should be discussed with the patient. This is of particular importance when deciding preconceptually on potential long-term treatments for women of childbearing potential. 

Exposure to sulpiride during pregnancy would not usually be regarded as medical grounds for termination of pregnancy. When used throughout pregnancy monitoring of fetal growth may be advisable. 

Please report ALL cases of drug and/or chemical exposure in pregnancy to UKTIS by telephoning the service on 0844 892 0909 or by printing and completing a pregnancy reporting form, providing as many patient identifiers as possible to enable follow up of pregnancy outcome. This vital information enables UKTIS to provide evidence-based advice for future enquiries and to conduct surveillance of potential and known teratogens. 

For case specific advice please contact UKTIS on 0844 892 0909.