Can you take antibiotics while pregnant?
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on June 26, 2025.
While any medication should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely needed and prescribed by your doctor, there are many antibiotics that can be safely used during pregnancy.
Your doctor will decide the appropriate antibiotic based on your infection, timing in pregnancy, and other patient-specific factors.
Common antibiotics reported to have a good safety profile in pregnancy include the cephalosporins like cephalexin, penicillins like amoxicillin, certain erythromycins, azithromycin and clindamycin.
Any antibiotic should only be used during pregnancy when the benefit outweighs risk as determined by your health care provider.
Read next
What are the best antibiotics for a tooth infection?
There are several antibiotics that kill the common mouth bacteria that cause tooth infections. The best (first-line) antibiotics for tooth infection include: Amoxicillin, Penicillin, Cephalexin, Clindamycin, Azithromycin. Amoxicillin is often the first choice because it is widely effective and has the fewest gastrointestinal side effects. Continue reading
Can you drink alcohol with amoxicillin?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking the antibiotic amoxicillin. The alcohol will not stop amoxicillin from working. However, many health professionals will recommend you avoid alcohol to give your body the best chance possible to fight the infection. Moderation is key. Continue reading
Does amoxicillin expire? Is it safe to take after expiration?
Amoxicillin capsules and tablets have an expiry of around 2 years and, provided they are stored as recommended and in the original packaging, there will be a small lee way of safety if used beyond expiry. Amoxicillin suspension is different and has a very short shelf life of about 7-10 days once it is prepared. Continue reading
See also:
Aimovig
Learn about Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) a once-monthly, injectable medication that can be ...
Nurtec ODT
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is used to treat acute migraines and prevent episodic migraines, by ...
Botox
Botox is used cosmetically to reduce facial lines and wrinkles and for medical purposes for ...
Depakote
Depakote is used to treat various types of seizure disorders. Learn about side effects ...
Topamax
Topamax (topiramate) is used to prevent seizures in adults and children and to prevent migraine ...
Emgality
Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is a CGRP antagonist for the preventive treatment of migraine and for ...
Timolol
Timolol is used for angina, heart attack, high blood pressure, migraine, migraine prevention
Valproic acid
Valproic acid is used for bipolar disorder, cluster-tic syndrome, epilepsy, headache ...
Divalproex sodium
Divalproex sodium is used for bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, cyclothymic ...
Topiramate
Learn about topiramate, an anticonvulsant used for seizures, migraine prevention, and weight loss ...
Related medical questions
- Is amoxicillin safe for dogs?
- Amoxicillin rash: When should I be concerned?
- What is the best antibiotic to treat strep throat?
- Does amoxicillin help with tooth infection and pain?
- What's the difference between amoxicillin and penicillin?
- What happens if antibiotics don’t work for UTI?
- What are the best antibiotics for pneumonia?
- If I am allergic to penicillin, is it safe to use amoxicillin?
- What medications can affect your taste or smell?
- Amoxicillin for ear infection: Take how many times a day?
- What's the normal daily dose of amoxicillin 500mg for chest infections?
- Can you safely consume alcohol while taking amoxicillin?
- Are there any foods I should avoid while taking amoxicillin?
- If people are allergic to amoxicillin can they take cephalexin?
- How often should I take amoxicillin for a sinus infection?
- Can amoxicillin be used to treat a bacterial vaginitis infection?
- What is the recommended dosage of amoxicillin for a 14 year old child?
- Amoxicillin - does it have sulfa or penicillin in it?
- Can penicillin treat chlamydia?
- If I can not take penicillin, is amoxicillin the same or do I need to avoid it?
- How do language barriers affect safe medication use?
- Is Cephalexin safe for dogs? Uses, dosage, side effects?
- What are the best antibiotics for a boil?
- Can Cephalexin treat an abscess in the mouth or gum infection?
- Can you take cephalexin for a spider bite?
- Cephalexin - is this a drug that can be abused by teens?
Drug information
Related support groups
- Amoxicillin (200 questions, 306 members)
- Cephalexin (125 questions, 150 members)
- Erythromycin (26 questions, 34 members)