Medications for Infection in Pregnancy

Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria. Infections caused by bacteria include:

• Bacterial vaginosis
• Group B streptococcus (GBS)
• Listeriosis
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STD), such as chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea

Antibiotics kill the bacteria that cause the infection. The infection may reoccur after using the antibiotics. If this happens, a repeat course of antibiotics may be necessary. Some people may continue to develop symptoms and complications of the infection even after the bacteria are killed.

Below are examples of antibiotics used to treat infections in pregnancy.

• Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Polymox, Trimox, Wymox) —This is a type of penicillin antibiotic. It comes as a capsule, a tablet, a chewable tablet, and a suspension (liquid). It is usually taken every 12 hours (twice a day) or every eight hours (three times a day) with or without food.
• Clindamycin (Cleocin) —The capsule form of clindamycin should be taken with a full glass (8 ounces) of water or with meals. If you are taking the liquid form of clindamycin, use a specially marked measuring spoon to measure each dose correctly. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
• Keflex (Cephalexin), Ceclor (Cefaclor), Duricef (Cefadroxil) —These are cephalosporin antibiotics. They may be taken on a full or empty stomach. If this medicine upsets your stomach, it may help to take it with food. The capsules and tablets should be swallowed whole and taken with a full glass of water.
• Erythromycin (Erythro, Erythrocin, Ilosone) —This drug is usually taken with food. Erythromycin comes as a capsule, tablet, long-acting capsule, long-acting tablet, chewable tablet, and liquid. It usually is taken every six hours (four times a day) or every eight hours (three times a day) for 7-21 days. Some infections may require a longer time.

Possible side effects of all antibiotics include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Allergic reaction, including skin rash, swelling, and difficulty breathing
• Hypersensitivity to sunlight

If you have been in close contact with someone who has chickenpox, you may get an injection of a medicine called varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG). When you get VZIG within 72 hours after exposure to chickenpox, it can help prevent chickenpox or make the infection less severe. This treatment is safe for you and your developing baby.

Infection with herpes virus is treated with acyclovir . This medication can also be used to prevent an outbreak during pregnancy. Women who are infected with HIV should talk to their doctor about which antiviral medications are appropriate.

Whenever you are taking a prescription medication, take the following precautions:

• Take your medication as directed. Do not change the amount or the schedule.
• Do not stop taking them without talking to your doctor.
• Do not share them.
• Know what the results and side effects may be. Report them to your doctor.
• Some drugs can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one drug. This includes over-the-counter medication and herb or dietary supplements.
• Plan ahead for refills so you don’t run out.

Talk with your doctor before using over-the-counter medications to treat an infection. There are some over-the-counter medications that are not safe to use during pregnancy.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally safe to use during pregnancy. It may ease symptoms of an infection. Other pain relievers, such as ibuprofen , naproxen , aspirin , should be avoided during pregnancy unless under medical supervision. These medications may increase the risk of miscarriage during the first trimester. They may decrease the level of fluid surrounding your developing baby and may cause heart and kidney problems in your newborn.