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Clindamycin is generally considered safe in pregnancy, but should only be used by pregnant people if it’s absolutely clinically necessary. There are many instances where clindamycin is recommended for use with women who are pregnant.

According to the FDA, some studies done with pregnant individuals show that taking clindamycin during the second or third trimester does not increase the risk of birth defects. Non-human animal studies also don’t prove that the drug harms developing fetuses. However, there aren’t enough good studies focusing on human pregnancies in the first trimester to prove whether it’s safe this early in pregnancy. 

Clindamycin and Breastfeeding

As the FDA notes, clindamycin can cross into breast milk in a range of 0.7 to 3.8 mcg/mL. This transfer may cause serious health risks to a developing infant. So, nursing parents should not take clindamycin. 

FAQ

Is it safe to take clindamycin while pregnant?

Clindamycin is generally considered safe to take while pregnant, but only if it’s clinically indicated. Non-human animal studies and human studies on second and third trimesters do not show an increased risk of birth defects while taking clindamycin. Although there’s not enough evidence to say definitively if it’s safe, especially in the first trimester. So, pregnant individuals should chat with their doctors about which types of antibiotics are best for them, if any. 

What category is clindamycin in pregnancy?

According to the FDA, clindamycin is Pregnancy Category B. This categorization means that non-human animal studies don’t prove the drug poses a risk to the fetus, and there are not enough adequate studies on the drug involving human pregnancy. In other words, there are no proven risks in taking clindamycin in human pregnancies, but that doesn’t necessarily mean no risks exist.

Can clindamycin cause miscarriage?

There is no proof that clindamycin can cause a miscarriage, and it’s never been studied in scientific research. This fact doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not possible, though. Anyone who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant should talk to their doctor before taking clindamycin. 

What antibiotics are safe during pregnancy?

Clindamycin may be appropriate to use for certain pregnant people. According to Mayo Clinic, other antibiotics considered safe for pregnant individuals to use include:

  • Penicillins, including amoxicillin (Moxatag) and ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen)
  • Cephalosporins, including cefaclor (Ceclor) and cephalexin (Daxbia, Keflex)
  • Erythromycin (E.E.S. 400, E.E.S. Granules, EryPed 200)

Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.


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