Cephalosporin antibiotics
Quick read
It is very important to correctly treat an infection in pregnancy. A cephalosporin may be recommended for some types of infection.
What are they?
The cephalosporins are antibiotics. Cephalosporins used in the UK include cefaclor (Distaclor®), cefadroxil, cefalexin, cefixime (Suprax®), cefotaxime, cefpodoxime, cefradine, ceftazidime (Fortum®), ceftriaxone (Rocephin®) and cefuroxime (Zinnat®).
Cephalosporins are used to treat many different types of infection. Some are taken by mouth, while others are given into a vein, usually in hospital.
Benefits
What are the benefits of using a cephalosporin in pregnancy?
Cephalosporin treatment can stop the unpleasant symptoms and complications caused by an infection, including some pregnancy problems.
Risks
What are the risks of using a cephalosporin in pregnancy?
Most studies of pregnant women taking a cephalosporin have not shown that it harms the baby. While cephalosporin use in early pregnancy has occasionally been linked to a slightly higher chance of the baby having a heart defect, the majority of studies do not agree with this finding.
If a cephalosporin is prescribed in pregnancy, a doctor will be happy to talk through the possible risks and weigh these up against the benefits of effective treatment of an infection.
Alternatives
Are there any alternatives to taking a cephalosporin in pregnancy?
Possibly, although alternative antibiotics may not work as well for some types of infection. A doctor will be able to discuss why a particular antibiotic is advised as the best treatment.
No treatment
What if I prefer not to take medicines in pregnancy?
It is important that an infection in pregnancy is well-treated as it can lead to very unpleasant symptoms, as well as serious complications for both mother and baby.
A doctor will only prescribe medicines when necessary and will be happy to talk about any concerns.
Will I or my baby need extra monitoring?
As part of routine antenatal care, most women will be offered a very detailed scan at around 20 weeks of pregnancy to check the baby’s development. No extra monitoring for major birth defects is required following use of a cephalosporin.
Are there any risks to my baby if the father has taken a cephalosporin?
There is no evidence that a cephalosporin used by the father can harm the baby through effects on the sperm.
Who can I talk to if I have questions?
If you have any questions about the information in this leaflet please discuss them with your health care provider. They can access more detailed medical and scientific information from www.uktis.org.