As for antibiotics for bacterial infections, azithromycin, penicillins, and cephalosporins are all category B (no risk to human fetus despite possible animal risk; or no risk in animal studies and human studies not done), as are all topical antibiotics except dapsone, which is category C because of a theoretical risk of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia if used near the time of delivery.
Hydroxychloroquine may be appropriate for connective tissue disease, she said, although steroids may be a better option in some cases.
And topical antifungals are considered safer for fungal diseases than systemic medications. She said she prefers clotrimazole and oxiconazole, both category B.
Finally, Dr. Tyler recommended permethrin (category B) for parasitic infections since it has been used extensively in pregnancy without a sign of risk and is the preferred treatment for scabies. It’s a better option than ivermectin, she said.