TERATOGENIC RISKS AND CLINICAL JUSTIFICATIONS: A REVIEW OF ANTIBIOTIC ADMINISTRATION IN EARLY PREGNANCY

The first trimester of pregnancy represents a critical window for embryonic development, during which drug exposure may lead to teratogenic effects. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat maternal infections that, if left untreated, can result in severe outcomes for both the mother and fetus....

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Main Authors: Alina Mihaela Calin, Alina Plesea Condratovici, Magdalena Miulescu, Ludmila Vaschevici, Anamaria Zaharescu, Lorenza Forna, Simona Manuela Bida
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Romanian Society of Oral Rehabilitation 2025-06-01
Series:Romanian Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
Online Access:https://rjor.ro/teratogenic-risks-and-clinical-justifications-a-review-of-antibiotic-administration-in-early-pregnancy/
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author Alina Mihaela Calin
Alina Plesea Condratovici
Magdalena Miulescu
Ludmila Vaschevici
Anamaria Zaharescu
Lorenza Forna
Simona Manuela Bida
author_facet Alina Mihaela Calin
Alina Plesea Condratovici
Magdalena Miulescu
Ludmila Vaschevici
Anamaria Zaharescu
Lorenza Forna
Simona Manuela Bida
author_sort Alina Mihaela Calin
collection DOAJ
description The first trimester of pregnancy represents a critical window for embryonic development, during which drug exposure may lead to teratogenic effects. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat maternal infections that, if left untreated, can result in severe outcomes for both the mother and fetus. However, the decision to initiate antibiotic therapy during early pregnancy must weigh the clinical necessity against potential fetal risks. This review evaluates the teratogenic potential of commonly used antibiotics, highlights pharmacokinetic changes in early gestation, and examines therapeutic options for frequently encountered infections. Safe antibiotic classes, such as penicillins and cephalosporins, are contrasted with those requiring caution, including tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and sulfonamides. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and individualized risk assessment, are also discussed. In addition, the paper identifies key gaps in current knowledge and emphasizes the need for future research through pregnancy registries, pharmacovigilance, and prospective studies. Ultimately, the judicious use of antibiotics, based on current evidence, clinical guidelines, and patient engagement, can optimize outcomes and protect both maternal and fetal health in early pregnancy.
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language English
publishDate 2025-06-01
publisher Romanian Society of Oral Rehabilitation
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series Romanian Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
spelling doaj-art-b80309ba69cd4ae39c8cbfabb5606d8b2025-08-20T04:02:51ZengRomanian Society of Oral RehabilitationRomanian Journal of Oral Rehabilitation2066-70002601-46612025-06-0117277978810.62610/RJOR.2025.2.17.71TERATOGENIC RISKS AND CLINICAL JUSTIFICATIONS: A REVIEW OF ANTIBIOTIC ADMINISTRATION IN EARLY PREGNANCYAlina Mihaela Calin0Alina Plesea Condratovici1Magdalena Miulescu2Ludmila Vaschevici 3Anamaria Zaharescu4Lorenza Forna5Simona Manuela Bida6Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University “Dunarea de Jos” Galati, RomaniaFaculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University “Dunarea de Jos” Galati, RomaniaFaculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University “Dunarea de Jos” Galati, RomaniaFaculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University “Dunarea de Jos” Galati, RomaniaFaculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University “Dunarea de Jos” Galati, RomaniaPediatrics, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, RomaniaPh UMF Grigore T.Popa IasiThe first trimester of pregnancy represents a critical window for embryonic development, during which drug exposure may lead to teratogenic effects. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat maternal infections that, if left untreated, can result in severe outcomes for both the mother and fetus. However, the decision to initiate antibiotic therapy during early pregnancy must weigh the clinical necessity against potential fetal risks. This review evaluates the teratogenic potential of commonly used antibiotics, highlights pharmacokinetic changes in early gestation, and examines therapeutic options for frequently encountered infections. Safe antibiotic classes, such as penicillins and cephalosporins, are contrasted with those requiring caution, including tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and sulfonamides. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and individualized risk assessment, are also discussed. In addition, the paper identifies key gaps in current knowledge and emphasizes the need for future research through pregnancy registries, pharmacovigilance, and prospective studies. Ultimately, the judicious use of antibiotics, based on current evidence, clinical guidelines, and patient engagement, can optimize outcomes and protect both maternal and fetal health in early pregnancy. https://rjor.ro/teratogenic-risks-and-clinical-justifications-a-review-of-antibiotic-administration-in-early-pregnancy/
spellingShingle Alina Mihaela Calin
Alina Plesea Condratovici
Magdalena Miulescu
Ludmila Vaschevici
Anamaria Zaharescu
Lorenza Forna
Simona Manuela Bida
TERATOGENIC RISKS AND CLINICAL JUSTIFICATIONS: A REVIEW OF ANTIBIOTIC ADMINISTRATION IN EARLY PREGNANCY
Romanian Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
title TERATOGENIC RISKS AND CLINICAL JUSTIFICATIONS: A REVIEW OF ANTIBIOTIC ADMINISTRATION IN EARLY PREGNANCY
title_full TERATOGENIC RISKS AND CLINICAL JUSTIFICATIONS: A REVIEW OF ANTIBIOTIC ADMINISTRATION IN EARLY PREGNANCY
title_fullStr TERATOGENIC RISKS AND CLINICAL JUSTIFICATIONS: A REVIEW OF ANTIBIOTIC ADMINISTRATION IN EARLY PREGNANCY
title_full_unstemmed TERATOGENIC RISKS AND CLINICAL JUSTIFICATIONS: A REVIEW OF ANTIBIOTIC ADMINISTRATION IN EARLY PREGNANCY
title_short TERATOGENIC RISKS AND CLINICAL JUSTIFICATIONS: A REVIEW OF ANTIBIOTIC ADMINISTRATION IN EARLY PREGNANCY
title_sort teratogenic risks and clinical justifications a review of antibiotic administration in early pregnancy
url https://rjor.ro/teratogenic-risks-and-clinical-justifications-a-review-of-antibiotic-administration-in-early-pregnancy/
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