Penicillin antibiotics

What are they?

Amoxicillin (Amix®, Amoram®, Amoxident®, Galenamox®, Rimoxallin®), co-amoxiclav (Augmentin®), and penicillin V are from a group of antibiotics called penicillins. Penicillins are used to treat a wide range of infections and are commonly prescribed during pregnancy.

Is it safe to use amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav, or penicillin V in pregnancy?

Numerous studies of use of these antibiotics in pregnancy have found no evidence of risk to the developing baby. Treatment of bacterial infections during pregnancy may be crucial to the health of both mother and baby.

When deciding whether or not to take amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav, or penicillin V during pregnancy, it is important to weigh up how necessary this is to your health against the possible risks to you or your baby, some of which will depend on how many weeks pregnant you are. Your doctor is the best person to help you decide what is right for you and your baby.

What if I have already taken amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav, or penicillin V during pregnancy?

Amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav, and penicillin V are often used in pregnancy and would not be expected to harm a baby in the womb. However, if you are pregnant and have taken any medicines it is always a good idea to let your doctor know in case you need any additional monitoring or treatment.

This leaflet summarises the scientific studies relating to the effects of amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav and penicillin V on a baby in the womb.

Can taking amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav or penicillin V in pregnancy cause my baby to be born with birth defects?

A baby’s body and most internal organs are formed during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It is mainly during this time that some medicines are known to cause birth defects.

Large studies of women using amoxicillin or penicillin V in early pregnancy do not suggest an increased chance of birth defects in their babies. Studies investigating co-amoxiclav have produced reassuring findings, but were based on fewer women. Further research is required to confirm these results.

Can taking amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav, or penicillin V in pregnancy cause miscarriage or stillbirth?

No increased chance of miscarriage or stillbirth has been seen in large studies of pregnant women taking amoxicillin or penicillin V. Studies of co-amoxiclav have also produced reassuring findings, but are based on fewer women. Further research is required to confirm these results.

Can taking amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav, or penicillin V in pregnancy cause preterm birth or my baby to be small at birth (low birth weight)?

Studies have not shown an increased chance of preterm birth or low birth weight in babies born to mothers taking co-amoxiclav or penicillin V. A small study found an increased chance of preterm birth and low birth weight for babies exposed in the womb to amoxicillin, however, larger, more reliable studies have not agreed with these findings.

Can taking amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav or penicillin V in pregnancy cause learning or behavioural problems in the child?

A baby’s brain continues to develop right up until the end of pregnancy. It is therefore possible that taking certain medicines at any stage of pregnancy could have a lasting effect on a child’s learning or behaviour.

No studies have investigated learning and behaviour of children born to mothers who took amoxicillin or penicillin V during pregnancy. Most studies that have investigated co-amoxiclav are reassuring. Antibiotics are often given to women in pre-term labour. Children born prematurely have a higher chance of learning and behavioural problems. Research that accounts for the effects of preterm birth, and also investigates the learning and behaviour of children exposed in the womb to amoxicillin and penicillin V is required.

Will my baby need extra monitoring during pregnancy?

As part of their routine antenatal care most women will be offered a scan at around 20 weeks of pregnancy to look for birth defects and to check the baby’s growth.

There is no evidence that taking amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav, or penicillin V during pregnancy causes any problems that require extra monitoring of your baby.

Are there any risks to my baby if the father has taken amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav, or penicillin V?

There is no increased risk to your baby if the father took amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav, or penicillin V before or around the time you became pregnant.

Who can I talk to if I have questions?

If you have any questions regarding the information in this leaflet please discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can access more detailed medical and scientific information from www.uktis.org.