Antibiotic (Cephalosporin)
PREGNANCY RECOMMENDATION: Compatible
BREASTFEEDING RECOMMENDATION: Compatible
PREGNANCY SUMMARY
No detectable teratogenic risk with cephalosporin antibiotics was found in a large 2001 study (see Cephalexin).
FETAL RISK SUMMARY
Cefdinir is an oral, semisynththetic, third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. No reports describing its use in pregnancy have been located. The molecular weight (about 395) is low enough that passage to the fetus should be expected.
Reproduction studies have been conducted in pregnant rats and rabbits (1). In pregnant rats, oral doses up to 11 times the human dose based on BSA (HD) were not teratogenic, but decreased fetal weight occurred at doses ≥1.1 times the HD. No effects were seen on maternal reproductive performance or offspring survival, behavior, development, or reproductive function. In rabbits, oral doses up to 0.23 times the HD were not teratogenic, but maternal toxicity (decreased body weight) was noted at the highest dose. No adverse effects on offspring were observed (1).
BREASTFEEDING SUMMARY
No published reports describing the use of cefdinir in human lactation have been located. The molecular weight (about 395) is low enough that excretion into breast milk should be expected. However, the drug was not detected in breast milk after a single, 600-mg oral dose (1). Multiple dosing during lactation has apparently not been studied. If excretion does occur, three potential problems exist for the nursing infant: modification of bowel flora, direct effects on the infant, and interference with the interpretation of culture results if a fever workup is required. The American Academy of Pediatrics classifies other cephalosporins as compatible with breastfeeding (e.g., see Cefadroxil and Cefazolin).
Reference
1.Product information. Omnicef. Abbott Laboratories, 2001.