Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking azithromycin

Azithromycin and pregnancy

Azithromycin is generally thought to be OK to take during pregnancy if you have an infection that needs treatment. However, other antibiotics may be more suitable for you, depending on your type of infection.

Talk to your doctor about taking azithromycin as it should only be taken if the benefits outweigh the possible risks.

Azithromycin and breastfeeding

If your doctor or health visitor says that your baby is healthy, it's OK to take azithromycin while breastfeeding.

Azithromycin passes into breast milk in small amounts. It has not been known to cause any side effects in breastfed babies.

Talk to your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist, or doctor as soon as possible if:

• your baby is not feeding as well as usual or has an upset stomach
• your baby has a rash or oral thrush (a fungal infection in their mouth)
• you have any other concerns about your baby

Azithromycin and fertility

There's no clear evidence to suggest that taking azithromycin reduces fertility in either men or women.

For more information about how azithromycin can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, visit the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.