From the FDA Drug Label
- 1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category B. Reproduction studies have been performed in mice and rats at doses up to 40 times the human dose and have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to cefixime. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Cefexime use in pregnancy is categorized as Pregnancy Category B.
- Reproduction studies in animals have shown no evidence of harm to the fetus at doses up to 40 times the human dose.
- However, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
- Therefore, cefexime should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed 1.
From the Research
Cefixime is generally considered safe during pregnancy and can be used to treat susceptible bacterial infections when clearly needed. The use of cefixime in pregnancy is supported by studies that have shown its efficacy and safety in treating various infections, including urinary tract infections and respiratory infections 2. The typical adult dose of cefixime is 400 mg daily, either as a single dose or divided into two 200 mg doses, with treatment duration typically 7-14 days depending on the infection. Some key points to consider when using cefixime in pregnancy include:
- Cefixime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, and it has good activity against many gram-negative bacteria.
- While it's considered relatively safe in pregnancy, it should still be used only when the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
- Common side effects include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea.
- As with any medication during pregnancy, it's essential to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary, and treatment should always be under the supervision of a healthcare provider who is aware of the pregnancy. A study published in 2013 found that cefixime was effective in treating asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women, with a high rate of eradication of the pathogen and sustained bacteriological response 2. Another study published in 2000 found that exposure to cefuroxime (a related antibiotic) during the first trimester was not associated with an increased risk of malformations or spontaneous abortions 3. However, it's crucial to note that the safety and efficacy of cefixime in pregnancy should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and the decision to use cefixime should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.