Antibiotics in pregnancy: can they be used?

Antibiotics in pregnancy: can they be used?
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A bad bronchitis, a dental abscess, a cystitis: surely it will have happened to you on more than one occasion to follow a treatment based on antibiotics. It is, in fact, of essential drugs in the presence of infections of bacterial origin because they are able to act on the responsible microorganisms, promoting healing. It is necessary, however, use them with caution, even more so in pregnancy, a very delicate period, during which exposure to certain substances can be contraindicated.



You must know, in fact, that almost everyone the active ingredients contained in medicines are able to cross the placenta and to get to the fetus. This does not mean, however, that they are all dangerous: only a minority is capable of impacting pregnancy, affecting the normal development of the fetus and / or cause malformations.



However, failure to treat infections can also pose risks to the mother and baby. How should you behave then? We asked the doctor , specialist in gynecology, Head of the Center for Medically Assisted Procreation, Gynecological Endocrinology and Highly Complex Menopause of the IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, University of Pavia. Here are the main rules to follow in order not to take any risks when it comes to antibiotics in pregnancy.

In this article

Also Read: Too Many Antibiotics Prescribed During Pregnancy

How they act

Antibiotics are drugs with a particular mechanism of action: they limit or prevent bacteria from developing inside the body and fight them. They are used in diseases of bacterial origin, such as ear infections, pneumonia, skin infections, abscesses. They can also be recommended preventively in the case of surgical and dental interventions, to avoid post-operative complications.



In all cases, these drugs must be used correctly - on time, in the modalities and in the doses indicated by the doctor - otherwise resistance can develop against them, which effectively renders them ineffective and complicates the treatment of many diseases.

Antibiotics pregnant are they allowed? Yes, but with due precautions. They go used only where really necessary e as prescribed by the gynecologist or the family doctor. For example, they can be used in cystitis, vaginitis, respiratory tract infections (all fairly common problems in pregnant women), provided they are naturally of bacterial origin. They are also used in the case of premature rupture of the membranes.

Antibiotics in pregnancy, one active ingredient is not the same as the other

Although it is a fundamental rule, using antibiotics during pregnancy only when necessary is not a sufficient precaution. It is also necessary to know which active ingredients are to be preferred and which to avoid (remembering that relying on a gynecologist is always the best choice). As indicated by the AIFA, the Agenzia Del Paeseno of the drug, first choice antibiotics during the nine months are the'amoxicillin and ampicillin, two types of penicillins.



In principle they are cephalosporins are also allowed, preferably 1st and 2nd generation, which together with penicillins and macrolides are also the most commonly used classes.

As for macrolides, considered safe until a few years ago, there are now doubts. Indeed, recent studies have raised doubts about their actual safety. According to experts, new investigations will be needed to better understand their impact on fetal health. As things currently stand, they should be used with caution and only if the benefits outweigh the possible risks. Clindamycin is also to be used only in second place, if the administration of penicillins and cephalosporins has not been effective.


Prohibited instead antibiotics based on aminoglicosidi, cotrimossazolo, rifamicine e tetracicline as they could be harmful to the baby.

Read also: Drugs in pregnancy: which are allowed and which are forbidden

A toll-free number for any doubt

For information on the drugs that you can take and which, on the contrary, you must absolutely avoid during the nine months, as well as your gynecologist and the attending physician, you can also contact the Mario Negri Institute and the Clinical Toxicology Unit-Anti-Poison Center. Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital of the city, who have made available the toll-free number +800 883 300 XNUMX to answer questions about the compatibility of medicines and pregnancy / breastfeeding.

Sources for this article:

-Sigo document: https://www.sigo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Osmed_uso_farmaci_in_gravidanza.pdf
-Aifa, Agenzia Del Paesena del Farmaco: https: //www.aifa.gov.com/-/antibiotics-in-pregnancy-si-if-necessario-aggiornate-le-schede-sul-sito-aifa-dedicato
- Ministry of Health Publication: https://www.salute.gov.com/imgs/C_17_pubblicazioni_1436_alnex.pdf
- Mario Negri Pharmacological Institute: https://www.marionegri.com/magazine/farmaci-e-gravidanza

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