Which medication is known to cause neonatal hypoglycemia?

Tolbutamide is a medication that stimulates insulin release from the pancreas and is classified as a sulfonylurea. When a mother takes tolbutamide during pregnancy, the medication can cross the placenta and lead to increased insulin production in the fetus. This heightened insulin level can cause the newborn to have low blood sugar, or neonatal hypoglycemia, shortly after birth.

Understanding the implications of maternal medication on newborn health is crucial, especially when it comes to substances that influence glucose metabolism. Tolbutamide's mechanism of action directly contributes to the risk of hypoglycemia in newborns, making it important for healthcare providers to monitor blood sugar levels in infants born to mothers who have taken it during pregnancy.