Animal studies have failed to reveal evidence of fetal harm. No malformations or other adverse developmental effects seen in offspring of rats exposed to this drug at up to 4 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD); despite maternal toxicity, no drug-induced fetal malformations seen in offspring of rabbits exposed to levels about equal to the MRHD. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

AU TGA pregnancy category B1: Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals have not shown evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus; as a precaution, some experts prefer to avoid use during pregnancy unless clearly needed.

AU TGA pregnancy category: B1
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned.

Risk summary: No data available on use of this drug in pregnant women to inform a drug-related risk.

See references

LactMed: Use is considered acceptable.
-According to some authorities: This drug should be used only if clearly needed; breastfeeding should be interrupted.
-According to some authorities: A decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother and the benefit of breastfeeding for the child.

Excreted into human milk: Unknown
Excreted into animal milk: Data not available

Comments:
-Developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered as well as the mother's clinical need for this drug.
-The effects in the nursing infant are unknown; potential side effects in the breastfed child due to this drug or the mother's underlying condition should be considered.
-In general, side effects in nursing infants are not expected with cephalosporins; disruption of infant's gastrointestinal flora (resulting in diarrhea or thrush) reported occasionally with cephalosporins, but such effects have not been adequately evaluated.
-Many beta-lactams are excreted into breast milk.

See references