Put Macrolide Use During Pregnancy in Perspective

New data will raise concerns about macrolides in pregnancy.

We generally consider azithromycin or erythromycin safe in pregnancy. But clarithromycin is often avoided due to animal data showing birth defects, such as cleft palate.

Patients are now hearing that use of any macrolide during pregnancy might be linked to a higher risk of birth defects, particularly cardiovascular malformations, compared to penicillin.