Chapter 3

Classification and Safety of Anti-Infective Agents During Pregnancy

Jaline de Melo Pessoa Cavalcante, Fernanda Coêlho Paiva, Janaína Crispim Freitas, Diana Gonçalves Dantas, Luana Paiva Souza and Ricardo Ney Cobucci

Abstract

The use of medication during pregnancy represents a challenge for health professionals, since the incorrect use leads to harmful effects not only on the pregnant woman but also on the fetus. Most anti-infective agents administered to pregnant women cross the placental barrier and expose the developing fetus to their pharmacological effects, which may be teratogenic. Because of the relatively common occurrence of some infections during pregnancy, there is a great importance of studying them, therefore, knowing the classification of the drugs and identifying which agents are safe during pregnancy will both be discussed in this chapter.

Total Pages: 45-72 (28)

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