Some Antibiotics Linked With Birth Defects

Children of mothers prescribed macrolide antibiotics during early pregnancy are at an increased risk of major birth defects, particularly heart defects, compared with children of mothers prescribed penicillin, finds a study published by The BMJ. The researchers say these findings show that macrolides should be used with caution during pregnancy and if feasible alternative antibiotics should be prescribed until further research is available. Macrolide antibiotics (including erythromycin, clarithromycin, and azithromycin) are - widely used to treat common bacterial infections. They are often used as alternatives for patients with penicillin allergy. Previous studies suggest evidence of rare but serious adverse outcomes of macrolide use, especially for unborn babies. The adverse outcomes might be associated with the pro-arrhythmic (heart rhythm problems) potential of macrolides. Policy advice about macrolide use in pregnancy varies. https://www.technologynetworks.com/drug-discovery/news/some-antibiotics-linked-with-birth-defects-331167?utm_campaign=NEWSLETTER_TN_Breaking%20Science%20News&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=83770537&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_B_Q1YdaNxleCgSD8nPatD8iy9foQAgcGInqZ74KmTV8oIWrkV4vyRfT8iGoseV3AG4AY8WJKOJu7yxb_J17yLJvxflA&_hsmi=83770537