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Cephapirin Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Cefadyl

Cephapirin Pregnancy Warnings

There are no reports of adverse effects of cephapirin on the human fetus. Cephapirin is known to cross the human placenta. In one study of 30 women who were given cephapirin 1 gram intramuscularly, the average peak umbilical cord and amniotic fluid cephapirin levels were 10.4 (four hours after dosing) and 13.0 (six hours after dosing) mcg/mL, respectively.

Cephapirin has been assigned to pregnancy category B by the FDA. Animal studies have failed to reveal evidence of fetal harm. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Cephapirin should only be given during pregnancy when need has been clearly established.

See references

Cephapirin Breastfeeding Warnings

Cephapirin is excreted into human milk in small amounts. Adverse effects in the nursing infant are unlikely. Other cephalosporins have been classified as compatible with breast-feeding by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

In one report of six women who were given cephapirin 1 gram intravenously, the average peak milk level was 0.49 mcg/mL between one and two hours after dosing. The average milk to maternal plasma cephapirin level ratios were 0.068, 0.250, and 0.480 at 1, 2, and 3 hours after dosing, respectively. While these levels are low, some experts warn of the unknown direct effects on the nursing infant, modification of neonatal bowel flora, and difficulty in the interpretation of culture results in the evaluation of a suspected infection.

See references

References for pregnancy information

  1. Creatsas G, Paviatos M, Lolis D, Kaskarelis D. A study of the kinetics of cephapirin and cephalexin in pregnancy. Curr Med Res Opin. 1980;7:43-6.
  2. Product Information. Cefadyl (cephapirin). Apothecon Inc. 2002;PROD.

References for breastfeeding information

  1. Product Information. Cefadyl (cephapirin). Apothecon Inc. 2002;PROD.
  2. Kafetzi D, Siafas C, Georgakopoulos P, Papdatos C. Passage of cephalosporins and amoxicillin into the breast milk. Acta Paediatr Scand. 1981;70:285-8.
  3. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, Yaffe SJ. Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins. 1998.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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