A widely used antibiotic for acne and infections is linked to risk of pregnancy loss, new study finds

A recent study has found a potential link between the use of doxycycline, an antibiotic commonly prescribed for acne and infections, and an increased risk of pregnancy loss during the first trimester. Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, meaning it targets a wide range of bacteria, and is often used to treat respiratory and sexually transmitted infections.

Doctors typically avoid prescribing doxycycline during the second and third trimesters due to its potential to interfere with fetal bone development. However, the safety of doxycycline during early pregnancy has been uncertain. This new research, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, provides more definitive evidence of the potential risks associated with doxycycline use during early pregnancy.

The study analyzed data from two U.S. insurance databases and identified 224,870 pregnancies in women aged 12 to 55, with the majority of these women treated for respiratory tract infections or acne. Among those prescribed doxycycline, the risk of pregnancy loss was 40% to 54% higher compared to those prescribed alternative antibiotics like amoxicillin or clindamycin.

While the exact mechanism behind this increased risk is unclear, animal studies suggest that doxycycline may disrupt early placental development, making it more difficult for the placenta to support a growing pregnancy. It is important to note that pregnancy loss is a complex issue with many potential causes, and taking doxycycline alone does not guarantee pregnancy loss will occur.

Nevertheless, the study's authors recommend that doctors carefully weigh the benefits and risks when prescribing doxycycline to women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, particularly those who are sexually active. Clinicians should also consider the possibility of pregnancy when prescribing this antibiotic to women of reproductive age, but this does not necessarily mean avoiding doxycycline altogether, especially in cases of severe infections where it may be the most appropriate treatment.