Can amoxicillin be taken during pregnancy? (2023)

Pregnancy comes with many unwanted side effects such as morning sickness, swollen feet and more. No one wants to add more, especially when it comes to an illness like bronchitis, pneumonia, or any other not-so-fun bacterial infection. In the past, your healthcare provider may have given you a dose of amoxicillin, but now that you're pregnant, you may be wondering if that's a drug.take medicines safely。

“Amoxicillin has been used for decades and is the most commonly used antibiotic during pregnancy,” says David Eugene Beatty, a GP, MRCGP, MBBS, DRCOG in Sussex, UK, with experience in obstetrics and gynaecology, and he is also a medical doctor from the University of Sussex, UK.powerful home gym. Here we look at what amoxicillin is and how it can help you recover while keeping you and your baby safe.

Wat is amoxicilline?

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia. It can also be used as an antidote to anthrax exposure, or in combination with other medications to treat ulcers.

You can take amoxicillin in capsule form, chewable tablet, hard tablet, or liquid form. It belongs to the category of penicillin antibiotics. Like all antibiotics, amoxicillin kills bacteria but does not help with viral infectionssuch as a cold or flu。

Is amoxicillin safe to use during pregnancy?

Amoxicillin is likely safe to use during pregnancy as long as your healthcare provider thinks it is necessary. during the first trimesterHowever, it is best not to take amoxicillin as it may increase your baby's risk of developing cleft palate.

AmoxicillinClassified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as pregnancy category B. "This means that multiple studies of amoxicillin in pregnant animals have shown no harm to the fetus when mothers take amoxicillin, but there is not yet sufficient evidence or well-controlled studies of amoxicillin in pregnant women," says Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, medical specialist. toxicologist and co-medical director, explains.National Capital Poison Center。

Dr. Johnson-Alber continued, "Several human studies have shown that use of amoxicillin during fetal organ development during the first trimester may be associated with birth defects, particularly cleft palate."So it is important that your prescribing healthcare provider is aware of your pregnancy and how your pregnancy is progressing.

What happens if I take amoxicillin before I realize I am pregnant?

If you have taken amoxicillin before you knew you were pregnant, contact your doctor for instructions on what to do. They may force you to stop the antibiotics, or they may make you complete the course.

If you have completed the course and have just found out that you are pregnant, do not worry. Dr. Beatty said the studies linking amoxicillin to an increased risk of cleft palate have been inconsistent.“Even if the data is
Absolutely, your baby will most likely not be affected,” he noted.

Safety instructions

If you are taking amoxicillin during pregnancy, there are some safety precautions to keep in mind. "Because amoxicillin is transferred from the mother's blood to the placenta, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of taking amoxicillin during pregnancy," said Dr. Johnson-Aber. Let's take a closer look.

allergic reaction

Amoxicillin can cause an allergic reaction in some people, but serious reactions are rare.It is best not to use this medicine if you have had a skin rash or an allergic reaction to amoxicillin or other types of penicillins in the past. If you notice a rash while taking amoxicillin, discontinue use until you can discuss next steps with your healthcare provider.

May increase the risk of cleft palate

Some studies have found an association between amoxicillin use during pregnancy and an increased risk of cleft palate in babies. "Historically there have been concerns about this, but the processes have been inconsistent," said Dr. Beatty.There are limitations to the research in this area, which may weigh less on the results, he said.

Because amoxicillin may increase the risk of cleft palate if you take it during the first trimester of pregnancy, it's best to be careful not to take it during this time.After the first trimester, however, you have nothing to worry about. "The palate is fully formed by the twelfth week of pregnancy, so taking amoxicillin in the second or third trimester will never cause a cleft lip or palate," notes Dr. Beatty up.

Only take amoxicillin if absolutely necessary

If you think you can get through the infection without antibiotics, this may be the best course of action during your pregnancy. "I wouldn't recommend prescribing antibiotics for most upper respiratory infections unless they're severe," noted Dr. Beatty up. "This is especially true during the first trimester when the baby's structure is forming."

If your symptoms make it difficult for you to function normally, contact your healthcare provider immediately.Antibiotics may be the best treatment option, because an untreated infection can carry its own risks. Even if your symptoms are mild, it's always a good idea to seek professional medical attention.

a word from vivel

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy.It is best to avoid amoxicillin during the first few weeks of pregnancy as there is data that it may increase the risk of cleft palate in your baby.This risk is less during the last two trimesters of pregnancy, when the palate is fully formed.

It's best to use amoxicillin or other antibiotics only when absolutely necessary, and it's important to stick to the prescribed dosage. If you have any questions or concerns about taking amoxicillin during pregnancy, talk to your doctor.