Which antibiotic is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its potential effects on the fetus?

Prepare efficiently for the USMLE Step 2 with our Antibiotics and Treatments Exam. Explore detailed questions, gain insights with comprehensive explanations, and boost your confidence for success! Ace your exam!

Tetracycline is contraindicated in pregnancy because it can have significant adverse effects on fetal development. This antibiotic can cross the placenta and is known to bind to calcium in developing bones and teeth, potentially causing permanent discoloration of teeth and inhibiting bone growth. As a result, its use in pregnant women is avoided to prevent these risks to the fetus.

In contrast, the other antibiotics listed, such as amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin, are generally considered safer options during pregnancy. Though some precautions are taken when prescribing them, they do not carry the same level of risk to fetal development as tetracycline does. Amoxicillin is a penicillin derivative commonly used in pregnant women because of its safety profile, while azithromycin is also used for bacterial infections with relatively fewer risks. Ciprofloxacin, although not typically first-line in pregnancy, is not as strictly contraindicated as tetracycline.

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