Can Zifexim Be Taken During Pregnancy?

Posted on Tue, 22 Dec 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 22 Dec 2015 Answered on

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I am XXXXXXX my wife was suffering from infection of lower abdomen such as pain in vegina etc..then I visited to a doctor and he prescribed zifexim and pbf gel ... In the mean time, she conceived but its totally unknown to us because last month period was happen 10 days ago .. Now our gynecologist said that it was wrong to take this Medicine ... But how do we know about conceiving? Feeling tension very much... Please share your views...

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Zifexim is cefixime which is a pregnancy category B drug, which means no adverse effects are seen on fetus if it is used in pregnancy.
Pbf gel contains clotrimazole and ornidazole.
Clotrimazole is pregnancy category B drug, and it is thus safe in pregnancy.
Ornidazole is pregnancy category C drug, which means animal studies have shown adverse effects on the ftus, but no controlled studies are done in humans.
However, local application of this medicine has very little absorption in the body and hence no effect on the fetus.
I suggest you not to worry and continue with the pregnancy.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Please do get back for further queries.
Wishing you both good health.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma
OBGYN
Maternal and fetal medicine specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (24 minutes later)

What is pregnancy category drug like you have said 'B' or 'C'? My doctor prescribed DUPHASTON 10 twice in a day and will visit in 8 week..

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Duphastone is safe

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
Drugs are categorized in 5 categories by US FDA on the basis of the safety in pregnancy and effect on the fetus.
Category A and B drugs are safe in pregnancy,proved by both animal and human studies.
Category C drugs have shown some adverse effects on the fetus in animal studies, but no controlled human studies are done.
Category D drug can cause adverse effect in human fetus.
Category C and D drug can be given to a patient, if the benefit by giving the drug outweighs the risk.
Category X drugs definitely cause congenital defects in the fetus and are absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy.
Duphastone is progesterone which is given to make the uterine environment more suitable for the fetus.It is a completely safe drug.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (40 minutes later)

Thank you doctor....My wife uses ornidazole for 12-13 days ... As u say local application of this drug has little absorption? can it harmful?

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
No

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
Local application will have no side effects on the fetus.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (3 minutes later)

Thanks doctor ... Have a good night

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (0 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Happy to help

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
I am happy to have helped you.
You can get back to me for further queries by asking a direct question to me on the health care magic portal.
Good night:)
Dr Deepti Verma

Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar