Doxycycline Pregnancy and Breast Feeding Warnings
Doxycycline is also known as: Adoxa, Adoxa CK, Adoxa TT, Alodox, Avidoxy, Doryx, Doxy 100, Doxy 200, Doxy Lemmon, Doxy-Caps, Doxy-D, Monodox, Oracea, Oraxyl, Periostat, Uracil, Vibra-Tabs, Vibramycin
Overview
Doxycycline has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Doxycycline while you are pregnant. Doxycycline is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Doxycycline .
Doxycycline Pregnancy Warnings
Doxycycline has been assigned to pregnancy category D by the FDA. Animal studies have revealed evidence of embryo- and fetotoxicity, including toxic effects on skeletal formation. There are no controlled data in human pregnancies. However, congenital defects have been reported with the class of tetracyclines. Fetal effects may be dose-related. When used during tooth development (second half of pregnancy) tetracyclines may cause permanent yellow-gray-brown discoloration of the teeth and enamel hypoplasia. Doxycycline is only recommended for use during pregnancy when there are no alternatives and benefit outweighs risk.
Population-based data from the Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities revealed that of 32,804 women who had infants with no defects, 63 (0.19%) were treated with doxycycline during pregnancy. 18,515 women had infants with congenital abnormalities, and 56 of these (0.3%) were treated with doxycycline. Data were based on retrospective recall and did not include alcohol or tobacco usage. In mass casualty settings after release of biological weapons, the Working Group on Civilian Biodefense has recommended doxycycline as an alternative drug for prophylaxis and treatment of anthrax, tularemia, and plague. The risk is outweighed by the high fatality rates from these infections.
Doxycycline Lactation Warnings
Doxycycline is excreted into human milk. Theoretical risks of dental staining and inhibition of bone growth exist although they are unlikely. Tetracycline, a related drug, 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 nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
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