Question

A lactating woman takes fluoxetine to treat depression. Her newborn developed tremors. seizures. and fever. Which drug-induced physiologic alterations may be responsible for the central nervous system effects of the drug on the neonate?

a. Increase in fat content
b. Increase in protein binding
c. Immature blood-brain barrier
d. Delayed first stooling

Answer 1

The central nervous system effects of fluoxetine on a neonate may be attributed to the immature blood-brain barrier, which is less effective in preventing drug penetration compared to adults.

Step-by-step explanation:

Drug-Induced Physiologic Alterations in Newborns

A lactating woman taking fluoxetine to treat depression may pass the drug to her newborn, potentially causing central nervous system effects such as tremors, seizures, and fever. One key drug-induced physiologic alteration responsible for these effects is an immature blood-brain barrier in the neonate. Newborns have a less developed blood-brain barrier, which can allow greater drug penetration into the central nervous system. This immaturity can increase the neurological side effects of certain medications that would be less harmful to older children or adults. Unlike changes in fat content, protein binding, or the timing of the first stooling, it is this incomplete development of the blood-brain barrier that significantly influences the newborn's susceptibility to medication side effects.