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Tetracycline Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Achromycin V, Actisite, Ala-Tet, Brodspec, Emtet-500, Panmycin, Robitet 500, Sumycin, Sumycin 250, Tetracap, Tetracon

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 24, 2023.

Tetracycline Pregnancy Warnings

Tetracycline has been assigned to pregnancy category D by the FDA. Animal studies have revealed evidence of embryotoxicity and teratogenicity, including toxic effects on skeletal formation. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy, however, congenital defects and maternal hepatotoxicity have been reported. When used during tooth development (second half of pregnancy) tetracyclines may cause permanent yellow-gray-brown discoloration of the teeth and enamel hypoplasia. The use of tetracycline during pregnancy is generally not recommended, especially during the last half of pregnancy.

See references

Tetracycline Breastfeeding Warnings

Tetracycline is excreted into human milk in small amounts. Theoretical risks of dental staining and inhibition of bone growth exist, although are unlikely. In one study, tetracycline levels were undetectable in nursing infants. Tetracycline is considered compatible with breast-feeding by the American Academy of Pediatrics. However, the manufacturer recommends that because of the risk of serious potential adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to continue breast-feeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

See references

See also

References for pregnancy information

  1. Whalley PJ, Martin FG, Adams RH, Combes B (1970) "Disposition of tetracycline by pregnant women with acute pyelonephritis." Obstet Gynecol, 36, p. 821-6
  2. Whalley PJ, Martin FG, Adams RH, Combes B (1966) "Tetracycline disposition in normal pregnancy." Obstet Gynecol, 28, p. 103-11
  3. (2001) "Product Information. Achromycin (tetracycline)." Lederle Laboratories
  4. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, Yaffe SJ.. (1998) "Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation." Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins
  5. Koren G, Pastuszak A, Ito S (1998) "Drugs in pregnancy." N Engl J Med, 338, p. 1128-37
  6. (2004) "Product Information. Tetracycline Hydrochloride (tetracycline)." IVAX Pharmaceuticals Inc

References for breastfeeding information

  1. (1969) "Tetracycline in breast milk." Br Med J, 4, p. 791
  2. Roberts RJ, Blumer JL, Gorman RL, et al. (1989) "American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs: Transfer of drugs and other chemicals into human milk." Pediatrics, 84, p. 924-36
  3. (2001) "Product Information. Achromycin (tetracycline)." Lederle Laboratories
  4. Committee on Drugs, 1992 to 1993 (1994) "The transfer of drugs and other chemicals into human milk." Pediatrics, 93, p. 137-50
  5. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, Yaffe SJ.. (1998) "Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation." Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins
  6. (2004) "Product Information. Tetracycline Hydrochloride (tetracycline)." IVAX Pharmaceuticals Inc

Further information

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