During pregnancy, doctors will generally tell mothers to abstain from taking any medicine. This is mostly applicable during the first trimester. But if you have constant flu, then only antibiotics can help, which the doctors will not permit. However, if you don’t treat your illness, then that could become riskier. Penicillins and their newer derivatives are the most widely prescribed antimicrobial class during pregnancy (1). Let’s see how safe is penicillin during pregnancy.
Penicillin is a very popular antibiotic that can cure an infection and flu successfully. If you are suffering from cold and flu constantly, then you must have been thinking about popping penicillin to get some respite. However, you need to contemplate whether it would be safe or not to have penicillin during pregnancy because you need to take care of your baby as well. That is why let’s discuss that is this article.
What Is Penicillin?
Penicillin belongs to a group of antibiotics, which include procaine penicillin, benzathine penicillin, penicillin G, and penicillin V. Penicillium fungi are the source of these antibiotics. This group of penicillin was among the first medicines that fought against the infections caused by staphylococci and streptococci. Because of the wide use of penicillin, many bacteria have evolved the resistance power to stop its effect.
Types of Penicillin
Penicillin is a group of antibiotics that are commonly used to treat bacterial infections. It works by preventing bacteria from forming cell walls, which leads to their death. There are several types of penicillin, each with its spectrum of activity. Two key aspects distinguish different types of penicillin: their production methods and their effectiveness against specific bacteria. Understanding these differences can help in selecting the most appropriate type of treatment.
Types of penicillin include: (2)
- Natural penicillins. Natural penicillins occur naturally in the environment; they are not artificially produced. Scientists isolate penicillin from its natural sources to create medications.
- Semi-synthetic penicillins. Scientists modify the natural form of penicillin to create more effective antibiotics. These modified antibiotics are known as semi-synthetic penicillins, which include penicillinase-resistant penicillins, aminopenicillins, and extended-spectrum penicillins.
- Combination medications. Penicillins are frequently combined with other medications to enhance their effectiveness.
Each type of penicillin has a specific range of bacteria it targets, so the choice of penicillin depends on the type of infection and the bacterial strain involved.
How Does Penicillin Work?
Addressing infections during pregnancy is essential for the health of both the mother and the baby. Infections such as Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) and syphilis can pose risks if left untreated, potentially leading to complications.
Fortunately, effective treatments are available that target and eliminate the bacteria causing these infections, promoting a healthier pregnancy and reducing the risk of problems for the newborn. Taking proactive steps to manage infections can significantly contribute to better outcomes for both mother and child. (3)
Our body’s immune system has enough power to stop bacteria. The white blood cells in your body attack the bacteria before it can have a serious impact on the body. When you get a symptom of bacterial infection, the body will itself fight off the bacterial infection. However, if the bacteria become too much for your body to handle, then you might require antibiotics. Syphilis can also be passed to a fetus during any trimester of pregnancy, which can cause health problems in the newborn
In order to protect themselves, bacteria build cell walls continuously. Penicillin damages that cell wall by penetrating it. But bacteria can also create resistance with β-lactamase. You can also counter this with β-lactamase and penicillin combining together.
Uses of Penicillin
Penicillin can treat various types of infections triggered by bacteria. Penicillin was among the first medicines that were effective in treating syphilis, and still, in this day and age, doctors use it.
There are three primary usages of penicillin, which includes :
- Fighting against bacterial infections such as tonsillitis.
- Stop bacterial infection in the body of those people whose immune system has got weak because of some illnesses.
- Boost the immune system to reduce bacterial infection risk.
- Treat people who are suffering from sickle disease.
Is It Safe To Take Penicillin During Pregnancy?
You must be wondering whether it is safe or not to take penicillin during your pregnancy. Well, penicillin belongs to pregnancy drugs category B. Usually category B drugs comprise prenatal vitamins, acetaminophen, and several other medications that are used safely during pregnancy.
In case there is a medical need for a Category B drug during pregnancy, there is no harm in using it. Now you will be delighted to know that taking penicillin during pregnancy is absolutely safe. It shows no adverse impact on pregnant women. In order to treat UTI or strep throat during pregnancy, doctors generally prescribe penicillin.
Dosage Of Penicillin During Pregnancy
The dosage of penicillin varies with patients. Your doctor will decide your dosage. All you have to do is stick on to the dosage your doctor prescribed. Never try to increase your dosage to decrease the duration. Also, make sure you complete the full course.
We are emphasizing this because, when you are in the course of antibiotics, within a day or two, all the annoying symptoms of your illness will vanish. This does not mean the bacteria that cause your illness are also completely destroyed. Your doctor knows the exact dosage and duration of the medication, which will completely eradicate bacteria from your system. All you need to do is strictly stick to it.
What If I Missed A Dose?
If due t o some reason you miss a dose, try to take it as soon as you can. However, if you surpassed the time completely, then skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your scheduled time. Never try to take two doses at one time. Remember, an overdose of penicillin can bring about several health issues that need medical attention that should be avoided when you are pregnant. However, if you missed more than a dose, then you should intimate it to your doctor. He will give you further directions.
Things To Consider Before Consuming Penicillin During Pregnancy
Even though it is quite safe to take penicillin during pregnancy, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind before taking penicillin at the time of pregnancy. By keeping in mind these things, you will be able to avert any unwanted consequences of taking penicillin during pregnancy.
1. Allergies To Penicillin
One of the most common problems that could arise due to penicillin is the allergic reaction. About 10% of patients report a penicillin allergy. However, up to 90% of these do not have a true allergy. (4). If you get an allergic reaction by taking penicillin V, then you should stop taking the medication immediately. Also, if you get the same result by using antibiotics such as oxacillin, dicloxacillin, or ampicillin, you should stop using penicillin. You should also convey this reaction of the medicine to your doctor. Your doctor should know that you are allergic also to cephalosporins such as Ceclor, Duricef, Ceftin, and Keflex. In this way, your doctor will be able to provide you with treatment in a proper way.
2. A History Of Allergies
If you have a history of being vulnerable to allergies, then you can’t take penicillin especially, at the time of pregnancy. Taking penicillin will increase the risk of getting exposed to allergic reactions. Therefore, it is crucial to inform your doctor if you have seasonal, food, or contact allergies. This is for the reason that these allergies could point towards an increased possibility of contracting penicillin allergy. Anaphylactic shock is very common for those people who are very much susceptible to allergies. Hence, you should not contemplate taking penicillin if you have a tendency to get affected by allergies.
3. Certain Health Issues
If you have certain health issues like asthma and diarrhea associated with the intake of antibiotics, inform it to your doctor. Similarly, if you have any type of bleeding or blood clotting disorder, you should inform your doctor. This is because the bleeding issues are found to aggravate during the intake of penicillin.
Penicillin And Yeast Infection
Penicillin during pregnancy can cause a yeast infection. (5). This is because, at the same time, as it kills harmful bacteria, penicillin may also destroy friendly bacteria in the vagina that prohibit yeast infection. Therefore if you notice foul-smelling discharge or itching in the vagina, never hesitate to consult your doctor immediately.
Penicillin And Diarrhoea
Like all antibiotics, penicillin can also bring about diarrhea. However, if diarrhea persists for more than three days or if you detect blood in your stool, inform your doctor immediately. This could be an indication of penicillin allergy.
Side Effects Of Penicillin During Pregnancy
There are certain side-effects of taking penicillin during pregnancy. But, these side-effects are quite rarely seen. However, you should be taking every safety measure possible while pregnancy in order to protect your baby. So, it is better not to count out these side-effects. Consult with your doctor if you see any of the following side-effects:
- Swelling in the tongue, throat or lips
- Chills and fever
- Severe rashes in the skin
- Vomiting or nausea
- Stomach ache
- A headache
- Agitation
- Black tongue
- Itching around the vagina or vaginal discharge
- Thrush
In a nutshell, penicillin is safe during pregnancy to treat infection. However, it is advisable to take recommendations from a certified doctor to avoid chances of side-effects. Further, take regular follow up from the doctors during pregnancy to know what treatment works for the infection best.
FAQs
1. Can a Pregnant Woman Take Penicillin?
Yes, pregnant women can take penicillin to treat infection during pregnancy. Amoxicillin and Ampicillin are considered safe to treat infection during pregnancy. However, it is recommended to take the doctor’s advice before taking penicillin.
2. Does Penicillin Affect Baby Labor?
Penicillin is safe to treat infection during pregnancy. However, some studies suggest that excessive consumption of antibiotics such as penicillin may increase the risk of preterm birth, specifically in women with chronic conditions.
3. Does Penicillin Pass Through The Placenta?
Yes, penicillin can easily pass through the placenta with active transportation, facilitated diffusion, phagocytosis and pinocytosis. However, it occurs slowly and might be unpredictable.
4. What Category Is Penicillin In Pregnancy?
Penicillin G generally belongs to the category B drug proven by the FDA as it does not cause any adverse effects to humans.
References
- P. Brandon Bookstaver, Christopher M. Bland, Brooke Griffin, Kayla R. Stover, Lea S. Eiland, Milena McLaughlin – https://accpjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/phar.1649
- Cleveland Clinic, Penicillin – https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/penicillin
- Brentwood (TN): Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS); 1994 -.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK609801/
- Rachel A. Patterson; Holly A. Stankewicz. St Lukes University Hospital , St. Luke’s University Health Network – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459320/
- J. Stokholm, S. Schjørring, C.E. Eskildsen, L. Pedersen, A.L. Bischoff, N. Følsgaard, C.G. Carson, B.L.K. Chawes, K. Bønnelykke, A. Mølgaard, B. Jacobsson, K.A. Krogfelt, H. Bisgaard, Antibiotic use during pregnancy alters the commensal vaginal microbiota, Clinical Microbiology and Infection, Volume 20, Issue 7, 2014, Pages 629-635 – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1198743X14611484
