Animal studies have proved adverse effects but may be safe for humans
How it works
Mechanism information is still being processed. Check the DailyMed link in the sidebar for the official prescribing information.
Dosing & administration
Dosing varies by indication and patient profile. Always follow your institution's current prescribing guidelines.
Renal impairment
Consult protocols for adjustment.
Liver impairment
Consult protocols for adjustment.
Use during pregnancy
1st trimester
Safe. No consistent increase in major malformations. Counsel regarding theoretical small risk and the risks of untreated depression.
2nd trimester
Safe.
3rd trimester
Safe. Monitor neonate for 48–72 hours for NAS/Poor Neonatal Adaptation (PNA): jitteriness, irritability, feeding difficulty — typically mild and self-resolving.
Clinical note
The most commonly used and extensively studied SSRI in pregnancy. No consistent association with major structural malformations. A small absolute risk of neonatal adaptation syndrome (NAS) exists with late-pregnancy exposure — this is transient and self-limiting. Untreated maternal depression poses significant independent risks to the pregnancy (preterm birth, poor fetal growth, impaired maternal self-care); benefits of treatment generally outweigh risks.
Breastfeeding
Safe. Among the SSRIs, sertraline has very low breast milk transfer and undetectable or very low infant serum concentrations. Considered a preferred choice for breastfeeding.
