Teratogenic indole-based drug with sedative and anti-angiogenic properties.
Notes: - The introduction of thalidomide for alleviating nausea in pregnancy in some countries in 1957 was soon linked to severe birth defects in the infant, with phocomelia being highly characteristic.
- Currently, it is used successfully to treat and prevent the moderate to severe skin lesions caused by leprosy, and is used together with dexamethasone to treat multiple myeloma.
Source:
PAC, 2016, 88, 713. 'Glossary of terms used in developmental and reproductive toxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2016)' on page 812 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2015-1202)