Can women of childbearing age take sodium propoxurate, which is a first-line antiepileptic drug in clinical practice? There is clear evidence of harm to the human fetus with this class of drugs, but the benefit of using the drug in pregnant women outweighs the harm to the fetus. For example, it may be considered when the mother is in a life-threatening or serious medical condition and there is no better alternative medication, and consider discontinuing breastfeeding. This drug should not be used in women of childbearing age except when clearly needed (i.e., when other treatments are ineffective or intolerable). Women of childbearing age must use an effective method of contraception during treatment.