Cephalexin belongs to which category of medication?

Cephalexin is classified as a Category B medication during pregnancy. This classification indicates that studies in both humans and animals have not demonstrated any risk to the fetus in any trimester, or that animal studies have not shown a risk but there are no adequate human studies.

In the context of pharmacological safety during pregnancy, Category B medications are generally considered safe to use when the benefits of treatment outweigh any potential risks. This is particularly important for midwives and healthcare providers, as they often deal with pregnant patients and need to prescribe medications that ensure both maternal and fetal safety.

The other categories reflect different levels of risk. A Category A drug is considered the safest, with extensive human studies showing no risk; Category C indicates that animal studies suggest a risk, but there are no adequate human studies; while Category D indicates there is evidence of human fetal risk, but the benefits may outweigh the risks in certain situations. Understanding these classifications helps ensure that pregnant individuals receive appropriate and safe medication therapy.