Angiotensin II receptor antagonists against migraine in pregnancy: fatal outcome

A pregnant young woman with a severe migraine is prescribed candesartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist (AT II antagonists). This has a positive effect—except for severe maldevelopment of her fetus. There is an increase in the use of the fetotoxic drugs, AT II antagonists and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, as prophylactic treatment of migraines, in addition to their use as hypertensives.