Is It Safe To Take Klaricid After An IVF Cycle?

Posted on Thu, 19 Dec 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 Answered on

Thu, 16 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Is Klaricid ok to take if pregnant? I have just finished an IVF cycle and had three embryos transferred. The transfer happened on Monday and since then I have come down with sinusitis. The doctor prescribed Klaricid. I told him that I may be pregnant and he said it was safe. But I have since researched it online and found that there is some risk. Can you make it clear to me if it is safe to take or not?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer: better not to use it Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Klaricid is the trade name or generic form for a drug called clarithromycin. The FDA rates it category c drug. This means that it is not recommended except in circumstances where there is no other alternative therapy and the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. There is limited data in humans but animal studies have been done.It may be best not to use it. Though it may not be as effective, your doctor may try amoxicillin which is category b. Category b is given to drugs where animal studies have not shown any risk though there are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)

I've already taken four of the capsules. I became curious whether it was ok to take or not because I started having stomach cramps and diahorrea. Have I already done potential damage if I am pregnant?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: not likely to have done any harm Detailed Answer: HI The stomach cramps and diarrhoea are common side effects of antibiotics and do not indicate that any harm has been done. Because you would have only used 4 so far, it is unlikely that this small number would have an ill effect but you can speak to your doctor about another antibiotic to use instead. The other aspects of treatment of sinusitis would be warm facial compresses to encourage drainage and relieve pain, a humidifier, nasal spray. Please feel free to ask anything else

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar