The Basics
What is Cefotetan?
Used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body.
Brand names for Cefotetan
Cefotan
How Cefotetan is classified
Anti-Infective Agents, Antibacterial Agents, Cephalosporins
Cefotetan During Pregnancy
Cefotetan pregnancy category
Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Cefotetan while pregnant
There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and monkeys at doses up to 2000 and 600 mg/kg/day (3 and 2 times the maximum recommended human dose on a body surface area basis, respectively), and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to cefotetan.
Taking Cefotetan While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Cefotetan?
A moderate amount of information indicates that cefotetan produces low levels in milk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with cephalosporins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Cefotetan is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Maternal / infant drug levels
A moderate amount of information indicates that cefotetan produces low levels in milk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally disruption of the infant’s gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with cephalosporins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Cefotetan is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Possible effects of Cefotetan on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Cefotetan
Cefoxitin.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Cho N, Fukunaga K, Kuni K. Fundamental and clinical studies on cefotetan (YM09330) in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. Chemotherapy (Tokyo). 1982;30 (suppl 1):832-42.
2. Novelli A, Mazzei T, Ciuffi M et al. The penetration of intramuscular cefotetan disodium into human extra-vascular fluid and maternal milk secretion. Chemotherapy (Basel). 1983;2:337-42.
3. Matsuda S. Transfer of antibiotics into maternal milk. Biol Res Pregnancy. 1984;5:57-60. PMID: 6743732
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
