Can you take antibiotics while pregnant?
Medically reviewed by drugclasses.com. Last updated on June 26, 2024.
While any medication should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely needed and prescribed by your doctor, there are many antibiotics that can be safely used during pregnancy.
Your doctor will decide the appropriate antibiotic based on your infection, timing in pregnancy, and other patient-specific factors.
Common antibiotics reported to have a good safety profile in pregnancy include the cephalosporins like cephalexin, penicillins like amoxicillin, certain erythromycins, azithromycin and clindamycin.
Any antibiotic should only be used during pregnancy when the benefit outweighs risk as determined by your health care provider.
Read next
What are the best antibiotics for a tooth infection?
There are several antibiotics that kill the common mouth bacteria that cause tooth infections. The best (first-line) antibiotics for tooth infection include: Amoxicillin, Penicillin, Cephalexin, Clindamycin, Azithromycin. Amoxicillin is often the first choice because it is widely effective and has the fewest gastrointestinal side effects. Continue reading
Can you drink alcohol with amoxicillin?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking the antibiotic amoxicillin. The alcohol will not stop amoxicillin from working. However, many health professionals will recommend you avoid alcohol to give your body the best chance possible to fight the infection. Moderation is key. Continue reading
Does amoxicillin expire? Is it safe to take after expiration?
Amoxicillin capsules and tablets have an expiry of around 2 years and, provided they are stored as recommended and in the original packaging, there will be a small lee way of safety if used beyond expiry. Amoxicillin suspension is different and has a very short shelf life of about 7-10 days once it is prepared. Continue reading
Related medical questions
- Amoxicillin rash: When should I be concerned?
- What is the best antibiotic to treat strep throat?
- Is amoxicillin safe for dogs?
- Does amoxicillin help with tooth infection and pain?
- What's the difference between amoxicillin and penicillin?
- If I am allergic to penicillin, is it safe to use amoxicillin?
- What are the best antibiotics for pneumonia?
- What medications can affect your taste or smell?
- Amoxicillin for ear infection: Take how many times a day?
- What's the normal daily dose of amoxicillin 500mg for chest infections?
- Can you safely consume alcohol while taking amoxicillin?
- If people are allergic to amoxicillin can they take cephalexin?
- How often should I take amoxicillin for a sinus infection?
- Are there any foods I should avoid while taking amoxicillin?
- Can amoxicillin be used to treat a bacterial vaginitis infection?
- Amoxicillin - does it have sulfa or penicillin in it?
- What is the recommended dosage of amoxicillin for a 14 year old child?
- Can penicillin treat chlamydia?
- If I can not take penicillin, is amoxicillin the same or do I need to avoid it?
- How do language barriers affect safe medication use?
- Is Cephalexin safe for dogs? Uses, dosage, side effects?
- Can Cephalexin treat an abscess in the mouth or gum infection?
- Can you take cephalexin for a spider bite?
- Cephalexin - is this a drug that can be abused by teens?
- What causes black hairy tongue?
- What are enteric-coated tablets?
Drug information
Related support groups
- Amoxicillin (196 questions, 304 members)
- Cephalexin (122 questions, 149 members)
- Erythromycin (25 questions, 34 members)