Augmentin vs Unasyn in Pregnancy

Augmentin (Amoxicillin/ Clavulanic Acid)

• US FDA pregnancy category: B
• The results of a study suggest an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates if amoxicillin-clavulanate is given prophylactically to women with premature rupture of membranes. 
• Amoxicillin-clavulanate should only be given during pregnancy when need has been clearly established.

Unasyn

• US FDA pregnancy category: B
• Animal studies have failed to reveal evidence of fetal harm. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.
• No adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Not many studies done on Unasyn and not many recent studies done on Augmentin in pregnancy. 
• No studies done on comparing Unasyn and Augmentin in pregnant women
• Penicillins as a class are generally considered safe for use in pregnancy and are widely used in the treatment of various infections in pregnant women

REFERENCES

1. www.drugs.com
2. First-trimester exposure to amoxycillin/clavulanic acid: a prospective, controlled study  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1884575/
3. Antibiotics in Pregnancy: Are They Safe, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2760892/
4. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/BioterrorismandDrugPreparedness/ucm072124.htm