Cefalexin Capsules in pregnancy

[Madhouse41]

I was just wondering if anyone else has taken these antibiotics while pregnant? I am now 38+4 with DC4 and having just been to the docs following low iron and low platelets, the doc also saw the results of a urine test I had 4 weeks ago and said I had a urine infection that needed treating. As the MW had not said anything and my urine has been fine since, I assumed I was ok although have to admit to being quite uncomfortable down below!!!

I don't like to take any medicine while pregnant as a rule and have just Googled this particular one and it doesn't have much to say as I don't think it has been tested on pregnant woman.

I am 24 weeks pregnant and was given them by hospital yesterday after a nasty UTI triggered contractions :)

I have taken them. Im also on a few other medications, clexane, aspirin, cyclizine and now co-codamol...

Seems wrong to be taking so many tablets but my baby is gorowing fine x

Sounds fine TBH...

"Pregnancy
Teratogenic effects ? Pregnancy Category B ? Reproduction studies have been performed on mice and rats using oral doses of cephalexin monohydrate 0.6 and 1.5 times the maximum daily human dose (66 mg/kg/day) based upon mg/m², and have revealed no harm to the fetus. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed."

www.rxlist.com/keflex-drug.htm

Four weeks ago might mean it's since resolved itself.

I wouldn't take these again if you paid me...they made me really ill

It doesn't sound like it's worth it - if he really wants you to treat it, ask for trimethoprim or something less heavy duty.

Maternity units are usually contaminated with clostridium difficile and this antibiotic has been implicated in causing it.

I really wouldn't risk it unless you are in discomfort from the actual infection. HTH

I took all the drugs Julezboo mentioned when I was pg with DS, and amoxycilin. He is now 2, tall, bright and a complete live wire.

thanks bike, thats reassuring :)

Nice to hear Julez . Is this your 2nd DC? I seem to remember you were pg around the same time as me before?

Trimethoprim can cause folate deficiency, so is avoided in pregnancy, especially the first trimester, given that we should all be on folic acid to up our folate.

Cefalexin is no more or less heavy duty, but is often used because the bugs causing urine infections (usually E coli) are now often resistant to trimethoprim.

I used cefalexin for a UTI in early pregnancy and have a very hsppy and healthy wee boy now.

this is my 3rd. DS2 is 3 and DS1 is 8 :)

I am more worried about early labour tbh than medications :(

Should also add that Clostridium difficile is very rare outside of hospital, all antibiotics have been implicated at some point, and that C diff transmission has probably more to do with high levels of bed occupancy.

Julezboo, your concern is completely understandable but you are doing the right thing and are on the right treatment. That is why your doctor will be treating it, even if it was asymptomatic, as untreated UTIs in pregnancy can (rarely) cause preterm labour, amongst other problems. Hopefully things will settle down very nicely now and you'll have a lovely rest-of-pregnancy.

Thanks for feed back. I'm not sure how I feel about it now after frrrrightattendant's remarks. That sounds a bit scary. I don't feel ill from it so it may have cleared up itself. I have, however, been feeling really tired and lots of twinges and discomfort. This could just be that I am quite late on. I have only taken 2 so far and don't know whether to continue or leave them and hope for the best!

I'd take them (and did - at least two courses in my pg and other ABs as well). As my consultant pointed out (when I asked if it wasn't worth waiting for after the birth) that untreated infections can also pass to your baby or create complications if you have to have a c-section. Is that worth it? I decided not (not to mention the other problems mentioned on this thread).

Any antibiotics can make you feel ill - doesn't mean that they will though. And it's far more important to deal with utis in pregnancy.

I imagine it's true about trimethoprim not being as effective any more, sadly.

You're right about c diff being rare outside of hospitals but it is very common in neonatal units. Most babies carry it in their nappies till about 18 months. (no idea why - my consultant told me this)

I got it and hadn't been in hospital and I have known new mothers to catch it as well - third gen cephalosporins are among the higher risk ones if you have to choose an antibiotic.

I'd avoid unless it's really necessary. But talk to your doctor first so you can feel better about your decision.