Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

Is It Safe to Take Cephalexin in Pregnancy?

A. Gamm
A. Gamm

Cephalexin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat a number of bacterial infections in the body ranging from chest infection to urinary tract infections (UTIs). The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers the drug to be in category B, which means that there may be no risk to the fetus if taken during pregnancy as according to animal tests. As of 2011, there are no controlled studies on Cephalexin in pregnancy for humans, but what is known suggests that there are in fact potential risks.

Drugs labeled as category B typically show no toxicity levels in unborn children nor do they create genetic abnormalities according to animal studies. It must be noted, however, that it is normal for humans and animals to react differently to certain drugs. Although as of 2011 there are no known controlled studies on the affect of Cephalexin in pregnancy, some uncontrolled data suggest there may in fact be a risk associated with Cephalexin.

Adverse side effects of Cephalexin in pregnancy may include vomiting.
Adverse side effects of Cephalexin in pregnancy may include vomiting.

What research that has been done on Cephalexin taken during pregnancy shows a potential link between the antibiotic and both congenital and cardiovascular defects. One study is said to confirm that the drug passes into the umbilical cord and into the amniotic fluid. Data from the Michigan Medicaid found several cases of congenital defects in the children born to women who used the antibiotic. There were also a few cases of cardiovascular defects as well as one case of cleft palate. It is unknown if these defects were indeed caused by using Cephalexin while pregnant or if the children were predisposed to it due to other factors involving the mother’s health.

Some research suggests taking cephalexin during pregnancy carries risks.
Some research suggests taking cephalexin during pregnancy carries risks.

Adverse side effects of Cephalexin in pregnancy may also be a concern. Symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea may cause other issues for pregnant women, such as dehydration. As Cephalexin is a penicillin-based antibiotic, it may also cause itchiness and rash, which may also indicate allergic reaction.

Although this antibiotic is generally considered safe for pregnant women to use, there are potential risks to the fetus as with most drugs during pregnancy. It is recommended to contact a healthcare professional before taking Cephalexin in pregnancy to discuss the necessity of the antibiotic and the potential risks of Cephalexin use. During the course of the antibiotic, it is further recommended to be wary of any potential side effects and notify a healthcare professional if any appear.

Discussion Comments

donasmrs

@SarahGen-- I took Cephalexin when I was pregnant and everything turned out fine. If your doctor says it's okay, then don't worry. An infection is usually more dangerous for a baby than antibiotics.

serenesurface

@SarahGen-- I did not take Cephalexin when I was pregnant but I did take another category B antibiotic for a urinary tract infection. My baby was perfectly healthy.

You have to understand though, that there are a lot of factors involved in this issue. When a doctor prescribes an antibiotic for a pregnant woman, he or she must consider the advantages and risks. So I'm assuming that your doctor feels that the risks of not treating your infection is greater than the risks of the antibiotic.

Another factor is the dose of the antibiotic and how far along you are in your pregnancy. You are now in your second trimester and as far as I know, the first trimester is the most dangerous time to take medications because that's when most of the development occurs.

If you don't feel okay about using this medication, then ask your doctor for another safe antibiotic. There are several different types of antibiotics that pregnant women can use without harm to the fetus. You don't necessarily have to use this one.

SarahGen

My doctor prescribed this antibiotic for me for an ear infection and I'm fourteen weeks pregnant. After reading more about Cephalexin, I'm not sure if I should take it or not.

Has anyone here used Cephalexin during their pregnancy? Was your baby born healthy?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Adverse side effects of Cephalexin in pregnancy may include vomiting.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Adverse side effects of Cephalexin in pregnancy may include vomiting.
    • Some research suggests taking cephalexin during pregnancy carries risks.
      By: anyaivanova
      Some research suggests taking cephalexin during pregnancy carries risks.
    • Before taking any medication during pregnancy, it is important to know the potential effects that it will have for both the woman and the unborn baby.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      Before taking any medication during pregnancy, it is important to know the potential effects that it will have for both the woman and the unborn baby.
    • It's critical that women who are—or may become—pregnant consult a physician before taking cephalexin or any other antibiotic.
      By: Alliance
      It's critical that women who are—or may become—pregnant consult a physician before taking cephalexin or any other antibiotic.
    • Cephalexin is an antibiotic commonly prescribed to treat urinary tract infections.
      By: 7activestudio
      Cephalexin is an antibiotic commonly prescribed to treat urinary tract infections.