Can azithromycin affect the baby?

Understanding Azithromycin and Its Effects on Babies
Azithromycin, a widely used antibiotic, is primarily prescribed to treat various bacterial infections. While its efficacy in adults and older children is well-documented, concerns arise regarding its use during pregnancy and its potential effects on newborns.
Azithromycin in Pregnancy
The use of azithromycin during pregnancy has been a topic of considerable debate. According to the NHS, azithromycin is classified as a FDA Pregnancy Category B medication, indicating that there is no proven risk to humans based on available studies. However, the evidence surrounding its safety is not entirely conclusive. Some studies have suggested a potential increase in risks, such as spontaneous abortion, while others have found no significant adverse outcomes associated with its use during pregnancy. This inconsistency highlights the need for caution and thorough consultation with healthcare providers when considering azithromycin for pregnant women.
Potential Effects on the Baby
When it comes to the direct effects of azithromycin on infants, the data remains somewhat ambiguous. While azithromycin is generally considered safe for use in children over six months, its impact on newborns, particularly those under six months, is less clear. Research indicates that mass distribution of azithromycin has been effective in reducing child mortality rates in certain populations, suggesting that when used appropriately, it can be beneficial. However, the specific risks associated with its use in very young infants are still being studied.
Recommendations for Expecting Mothers
For pregnant women prescribed azithromycin, it is crucial to weigh the benefits against potential risks. Healthcare providers typically recommend that any medication during pregnancy should be taken only when absolutely necessary. If a mother is infected with a bacterial illness that requires treatment, azithromycin may be deemed appropriate, but this decision should always involve a detailed discussion with a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
In summary, while azithromycin is generally regarded as safe for use during pregnancy and can be beneficial in treating infections, its effects on babies, particularly newborns, warrant careful consideration. The existing research does not provide definitive answers, and as such, pregnant women should consult their healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding the use of this antibiotic.

Why is azithromycin not recommended for children?

Owing to the lack of safety studies, azithromycin is not recommended for children aged less than 6 months for oral formulations and 16 years for intravenous formulations. Abdominal discomforts, such as diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, are the most commonly reported side effects in paediatrics.

What antibiotics are high risk during pregnancy?

Macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin and azithromycin have been linked to heart rhythm conditions and preterm birth in fetuses.

Does azithromycin pass through the placenta?

The ability of AZI to traverse the placental barrier and provide therapeutic benefit in the intrauterine environment in humans with ureaplasmal infection has been a source of controversy.

Why is azithromycin no longer recommended?

However, in recent years, the cardiac safety of azithromycin has been questioned, primarily because of increasing concerns regarding the potential for QT interval prolongation, torsades de pointes, and cardiovascular death.

What are the effects of azithromycin in babies?

Some children get diarrhoea, stomach pains and may feel sick or be sick (vomit) when they first start taking Azithromycin. See the information on antibiotics below for advice on what to do. Your child may develop a rash or itch.

Which antibiotics are not safe during pregnancy?

Some antibiotics are known to be teratogenic and should be avoided entirely during pregnancy. These include streptomycin and kanamycin (which may cause hearing loss) and tetracycline (which can lead to weakening, hypoplasia, and discoloration of long bones and teeth). How about other antibiotics?

Can antibiotics harm my unborn baby?

An infant’s developing microbiome depends on a variety of interactions between gut bacteria and the host, and the introduction of antibiotics at any stage and at any level has the potential to interrupt these health-building processes in ways that can affect a child’s health immediately after birth and potentially for …

What is the number one side effect of azithromycin?

Azithromycin may cause diarrhea, and in some cases it can be severe. It may occur 2 months or more after you stop using this medicine. Do not take any medicine to treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor. Diarrhea medicines may make the diarrhea worse or make it last longer.

Can antibiotics damage a baby?

The baby’s early microbiome, acquired from the mother at delivery, “educates” the infant’s developing immune system in the first weeks and months of life. Antibiotics in pregnancy can alter the mother’s and therefore the baby’s microbiome, affecting early immune responses.

Can azithromycin harm my unborn baby?

Azithromycin and pregnancy
Azithromycin is generally thought to be OK to take during pregnancy if you have an infection that needs treatment. However, other antibiotics may be more suitable for you, depending on your type of infection.