title: Antifungal therapy during pregnancy.
abstract: Careful consideration of the benefit to the mother and the risk to the fetus is required when prescribing antifungal therapy in pregnancy. Imidazoles are considered safe as topical therapy for fungal skin infections during pregnancy. Nystatin is minimally absorbed and is effective for vaginal therapy. Although vaginal use of the imidazoles is probably safe during the later stages of pregnancy, their systemic absorption is higher than when applied to the skin. The systemic antifungal drug with which there has been the most experience in pregnancy is amphotericin B. There have been no reports of teratogenesis attributed to this agent. There is evidence to suggest that fluconazole exhibits dose-dependent teratogenic effects; however, it appears to be safe at lower doses (150 mg/day). Ketoconazole, flucytosine, and griseofulvin have been shown to be teratogenic and/or embryotoxic in animals. Iodides have been associated with congenital goiter and should not be used during pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Georgia, Augusta, USA.
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Rogers
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Cleary
authors.forename: S W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Chapman
mesh_terms: D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D009181:Mycoses / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents