11/22/22, 10:58 AM Erythromycin Use During Pregnancy | Drugs.

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Erythromycin Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Warnings
Erythromycin is also known as: E-Mycin, E.E.S. Granules, E.E.S.-200, E.E.S.-400, E.E.S.-400
Filmtab, Ery-Tab, EryPed, Eryc, Erythrocin, Erythrocin Lactobionate, Erythrocin Stearate Filmtab,
Erythrocot, Ilosone, MY-E, PCE Dispertab, Robimycin, Wyamycin S

Erythromycin Pregnancy Warnings

Animal studies have failed to reveal evidence of embryotoxicity or teratogenicity when this drug was
administered prior to and during mating, throughout pregnancy, and until weaning at doses up to 3
times the maximum recommended human dose. Observational studies have revealed evidence of
cardiovascular malformations after exposure to this drug in early pregnancy. There are no controlled
data in human pregnancy.

AU TGA pregnancy category A: Drugs which have been taken by a large number of pregnant women
and women of childbearing age without any proven increase in the frequency of malformations or
other direct or indirect harmful effects on the fetus having been observed.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule
for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the
data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make
prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy
categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

AU TGA pregnancy category: A

US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned.

Risk Summary: There are no adequate and well-controlled data available on use of this drug in
pregnant women to inform of a drug-related risk.

Comment:

-Congenital syphilis prophylaxis: Reports suggest that this drug may not attain adequate fetal drug
concentrations to prevent congenital syphilis. Infants born to patients who were treated with oral
formulations of this drug for early syphilis should be given an appropriate penicillin regimen.

See references

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Erythromycin Breastfeeding Warnings

The WHO states that breastfed infants should be monitored for gastrointestinal disturbances (e.g.,
diarrhea, thrush). If adverse events occur, breastfeeding should continue, and an alternative
treatment should be selected (if necessary).

In a small trial (N=2), patients given 500 mg orally had milk levels of 1, 1.2, and 1.1 mg/L at 2, 4, and
6 hours after dosing, respectively. In a trial of patients (N=15) given 500 mg IV, breastmilk levels 2
hours after dosing were 2.5 mg/L.

There are case reports suggesting that a higher risk of IHPS may be associated with maternal
exposure within 7 weeks of delivery.

Caution is recommended.

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comments:

-The WHO considers this drug compatible with breastfeeding.

-The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) considers this drug compatible with breastfeeding.

-Some experts consider this drug compatible with breastfeeding; breastfed infants should be
monitored for irritability, infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) and effects on the
gastrointestinal flora (e.g., diarrhea, candidiasis [diaper rash, thrush]).

See references

References for pregnancy information

1. "Product Information. Eryc (erythromycin)." Parke-Davis

2. "Product Information. Ery-Tab (erythromycin)." Abbott Pharmaceutical (2022):

3. "Product Information. Erythrocin Lactobionate (erythromycin)." Abbott Pharmaceutical (2003):

4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0

5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

References for breastfeeding information

1. "Product Information. Eryc (erythromycin)." Parke-Davis

2. "Product Information. Ery-Tab (erythromycin)." Abbott Pharmaceutical (2022):

3. "Product Information. Erythrocin Lactobionate (erythromycin)." Abbott Pharmaceutical (2003):

4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0

5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

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11/22/22, 10:58 AM Erythromycin Use During Pregnancy | Drugs.com

6. Department of Adolescent and Child Health and Development. UNICEF. World Health Organization
"Breastfeeding and maternal medication: recommendations for drugs in the eleventh Who model list of
essential drugs. http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2002/55732.pdf?ua=1" (2014):

7. Briggs GG, Freeman RK. "Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation." Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health (2015):

8. National Library of Medicine (US) "Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/" (2019):

Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to
your personal circumstances.

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