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Urinary tract infections in pregnancy
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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