ABSTRACT
QUESTION My pregnant patients often present with urinary tract infections. Are the medications commonly used for the management of urinary tract infections safe to use during pregnancy?
ANSWER Existing data indicate that exposure to penicillins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, nitrofurantoin, or phenazopyridine during pregnancy is not associated with increased risk of fetal malformations. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole should be avoided, if possible, during the first trimester of pregnancy because of the antifolate effect associated with neural tube defects.
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