Can you take zpack while pregnant

Hence, if a pregnant woman falls sick due to a bacterial infection, she can take the medication if advised by her doctor. Also read: Is breast leakage during pregnancy normal? Doctors may prescribe Azithromycin in pregnancy to a woman for the treatment of acute bacterial infections. The usage of Azithromycin is usually clinically indicated for the following conditions:.

Women can use Azithromycin during pregnancy in the third trimester. It has been suggested that exposure to Azithromycin during pregnancy is not associated with an increase in the rate of significant abnormalities in pregnant women.

Azithromycin belongs to the macrolide group of antibiotics. It has not been associated with an increased risk of malformation in animal studies. Most studies of women who took macrolides have not provided any evidence linking birth defects in babies to the use of the medication. However, it's important to note that only a few women have been tested for these results. One can take Azithromycin during pregnancy orally with or without food. If you have an upset stomach, take the medication after eating.

Take the entire dosage as directed by your doctor. It is essential to take Azithromycin for the duration prescribed to ensure its effectiveness. Usually, doctors recommend that you take Azithromycin once daily at the same time. Don't stop taking the medication if you feel better, as doing this can allow bacteria to continue growing, resulting in a return of the infection. Consult your doctor if your symptoms worsen. Set a reminder to ensure that you remember to take Azithromycin daily. Fuks says.

There might be negative fetal effects associated with some Category B drugs that aren't currently recognized. Though many antibiotics such as pencillin have been used safely for decades, resistant strains of bacteria are forcing doctors to use a wider array of antibiotics.

Safety depends on various factors, including the type of antibiotic, when in your pregnancy you take the antibiotic, dosage, and duration of use.

Even if an antibiotic has been linked to an elevated risk of birth defect , chances remain small. For example, the risk of having a child with hypoplastic left heart syndrome is about one in 4, Sulfonamide antibiotics such as Septrim and Bactrim are associated with a threefold increase, making the likelihood about one in 1,, according to the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.

In a study published in the journal Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety , researchers investigated whether there was any link between taking macrolides — including azithromycin and clarithromycin — during pregnancy and having a baby with birth defects.

Looking at data from over , pregnant women in the Quebec Pregnancy Cohort, they compared the outcomes of those who'd taken macrolides, those who'd taken penicillin, and those who hadn't taken any antibiotics. The FDA classifies azithromycin as a category B drug, which means it has been shown to be safe in animal studies.

Clarithromycin is category C, which means it has been shown to have negative effects in animals. Neither group has had well-controlled studies in humans. No matter what you and your doctor decide is the right course of action in the case of infection, communication is key. Speak with all of your healthcare providers about any medications you are taking to avoid drug interactions, and always tell or remind your healthcare provider that you are pregnant when receiving prescription medications or care.

You should also make your prescriber aware of any allergies or health conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease or a history of hepatitis or jaundice or mononucleosis , as all can determine which antibiotic is safest for you, Dr. If you experience any side effects or if the infection is not clearing, you should also alert your prescribing physician. The risk was higher among those with other risk factors for heart disease , such as smoking, low physical activity levels, and a high body mass index BMI.

The study reported that when compared with amoxicillin, there were 47 additional cardiovascular deaths per 1 million azithromycin prescriptions. Among people with the highest risk of heart disease, there were more deaths per 1 million courses of azithromycin. This suggests that other antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, may be a safer option for people with heart disease or certain types of heart arrythmias. In , the FDA issued a warning about the long term use of azithromycin in people with certain blood or lymph node cancers who have stem cell transplants.

Emerging research has suggested that azithromycin may increase the risk of cancer relapse in these people. Following a stem cell transplant, some people take azithromycin to reduce the risk of an inflammatory lung condition called bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. The FDA have not approved azithromycin for this use, however. Rarely, azithromycin can cause liver toxicity. People should stop taking the drug and call their doctor if they develop any symptoms of liver problems, including dark urine, itching, or yellow eyes.

In newborns younger than 42 days old , azithromycin may cause a dangerous condition called infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Caregivers should contact a doctor if a baby becomes irritable or vomits when eating. For example, using azithromycin while taking nelfinavir, which is a drug that helps treat HIV , can increase the risk of liver abnormalities and hearing problems. A person should tell a doctor about all current medications, supplements, and remedies before taking azithromycin.

Always speak to a doctor before stopping taking medications. Studies of animals who received very large doses of azithromycin did not find an increased risk of miscarriage or birth defects. Although it is generally safe to use when breastfeeding, azithromycin may cause diarrhea, vomiting, or a rash in some babies. A person should tell a doctor if they are pregnant, might be pregnant, or are breastfeeding before taking azithromycin. If a nursing infant develops side effects while the parent is taking azithromycin, call a doctor for advice.

The brand name version of azithromycin Zithromax is typically more expensive than the generic version. Azithromycin treats many of the same infections that drugs such as penicillin and amoxicillin can treat. A doctor may prescribe azithromycin as an alternative to other antibiotics because it typically requires a shorter course.

Did You Know? Zithromax and Macrolide Heart Concerns Previous research has shown Zithromax and other macrolide antibiotics may increase the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening heart problems. Share Your Comments. Last Name. Have Your Comments Reviewed by a Lawyer Provide additional contact information if you want an attorney to review your comments and contact you about a potential case. This information will not be published. Contact Phone.

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