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I am 6.5 months pregnant and tested positive for Group B Strep

Sent to Health Experts October 16 2008 at 4:38 AM
   

I am 6.5 months pregnant and tested positive for Group B Strep some weeks ago. As a result, I will need to have antibiotics administered intravenously during labour to protect the baby from infection. I know the bacteria can come and go through pregnancy but I've been told I should have the antibiotics even if it is not present at the time of birth. As I am allergic to penicillin, I will be given 900mg of Clindamycin at 8 hour intervals. Please can you tell me what the side effects of this antibiotic are (when administered by IV) and how common serious side effects are?

 

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Age: 34; Female, United Kingdom/p>

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $15
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October 16 2008 at 4:46 AM (8 minutes and 20 seconds later)
         
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Hello Customer!
It is category B for the baby so safe in animal studies thus far, and used often. For you it is metabolized in the liver and kidneys so possible side effects, though very rare if you have no liver or kidney impairment, are toxocities with metabolism and excretion. This can and will probably be checked the day of or after with labs and can be ruled out. Infectious cdif diarrhea due to the spectrum of this antibiotic is possible but it is with many antibiotics and again, can be treated should it occur. Rash due to sensitivity may occur. Slight abdominal pain with nausea, again as with many antibiotics. These are the most common and even these being very rare. The benefits to your baby greatly outweigh any risks. Group B strep is not uncommon and has been very well studied over the past years in delivery. Congratulations!
Good Luck
Hope this helps!
drknowsbest -- Doctor -- 99% Positive Feedback on 366 Health Accepts
DO board certified family practitioner spec. in womens health
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October 16 2008 at 4:54 AM (8 minutes and 3 seconds later)
         
Thank you for your answer. One final point, how common is anaphylaxis, or other life-threatening conditions, as a result of this drug? Many thanks.
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October 16 2008 at 7:08 AM (2 hours and 13 minutes and 36 seconds later)
         
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drknowsbest -- Doctor -- 99% Positive Feedback on 366 Health Accepts
DO board certified family practitioner spec. in womens health
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