Which antibiotic class is generally avoided in pregnancy due to potential teeth discoloration and inhibition of bone growth?

Which antibiotic class is generally avoided in pregnancy due to potential teeth discoloration and inhibition of bone growth?

• A. Tetracyclines
• B. Penicillins
• C. Macrolides
• D. Cephalosporins

Answer: (A)

Tetracyclines are avoided in pregnancy because they can cross the placenta and become incorporated into developing teeth and bones. During fetal and early childhood mineralization, these drugs bind calcium and form stable deposits in teeth and bone, leading to permanent tooth discoloration (yellow to brown) and potential enamel hypoplasia. They can also interfere with normal bone mineralization, which can affect skeletal growth. Because these effects are durable, this class is generally not used during pregnancy. Other antibiotic classes like penicillins, cephalosporins, and many macrolides don’t have this same risk profile for fetal teeth and bone, so they are preferred when an antibiotic is needed during pregnancy.

Tetracyclines are avoided in pregnancy because they can cross the placenta and become incorporated into developing teeth and bones. During fetal and early childhood mineralization, these drugs bind calcium and form stable deposits in teeth and bone, leading to permanent tooth discoloration (yellow to brown) and potential enamel hypoplasia. They can also interfere with normal bone mineralization, which can affect skeletal growth. Because these effects are durable, this class is generally not used during pregnancy.

Other antibiotic classes like penicillins, cephalosporins, and many macrolides don’t have this same risk profile for fetal teeth and bone, so they are preferred when an antibiotic is needed during pregnancy.