Quinolones and pregnancy: worrying animal findings, few clinical data

Abstract

(1) Follow-up studies of approximately 1,000 women exposed to quinolones during pregnancy show no increase in the risk of malformations, miscarriage, prematurity, intrauterine growth retardation or postnatal disorders, but there are not enough data to draw firm conclusions. (2) Teratogenic effects have been observed in animals treated with the oldest quinolones (flumequine, nalidixic acid and pipemidic acid) and also with sparfloxacin, a fluoroquinolone. (3) Cartilage damage after postnatal exposure to quinolones in animals and humans has been reported. (4) Alternatives to quinolones can almost always be found for pregnant women. (5) Accidental exposure to quinolones during pregnancy does not warrant termination.