Medications for Infection in Pregnancy

Prescription Medications

Antibiotics

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

• ]]>Bacterial vaginosis]]>
• ]]>Group B streptococcus (GBS)]]>
• Listeriosis
• ]]>Urinary tract infections (UTIs)]]>
• STDs 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

Immune Globulin

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.

Antiviral Medications

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.

Special Considerations

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

• Take them as directed—not more, not less, not at a different time.
• Do not stop taking them without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don’t share them with anyone else.
• Know what side effects to expect, and report them to your healthcare provider.
• If you are taking more than one drug, even if it is over-the-counter, be sure to check with a physician or pharmacist about drug interactions.
• Plan ahead for refills so you don’t run out.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Talk with your healthcare provider 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 (Advil or Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve) and 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 problems in your newborn.