The Basics
What is Cephradine?
Used to treat infections caused by bacteria, including upper respiratory infections, ear infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections.
Brand names for Cephradine
Azactam Injection
How Cephradine is classified
Anti-Infective Agents, Antibacterial Agents, Cephalosporins
Cephradine During Pregnancy
Cephradine 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 Cephradine while pregnant
In pregnant women, aztreonam crosses the placenta and enters the fetal circulation. Developmental toxicity studies in pregnant rats and rabbits with daily doses of aztreonam up to 1800 and 1200 mg/kg, respectively, revealed no evidence of embryotoxicity or fetotoxicity or teratogenicity. These doses, based on body surface area, are 2.2- and 2.9-fold greater than the MRHD for adults of 8 g per day. A peri/postnatal study in rats revealed no drug-induced changes in any maternal, fetal, or neonatal parameters. The highest dose used in this study, 1800 mg/kg/day, is 2.2 times the MRHD based on body surface area. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of aztreonam on human pregnancy outcomes. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, aztreonam should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Taking Cephradine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Cephradine?
Limited information indicates cephradine 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. cephradine is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Limited information indicates cephradine 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. cephradine is acceptable in nursing mothers.
Possible effects of Cephradine on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Cephradine
Cephalexin.
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. Mischler TW, Corson SL, Bolognese RJ et al. Presence of cephradine in body fluids of lactating and pregnant women. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1972;15:214. Abstract.
2. Mischler TW, Corson SL, Larranaga A et al. Cephradine and epicillin in body fluids of lactating and pregnant women. J Reprod Med. 1978;21:130-6. PMID: 569206
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.
