Drugs in pregnancy: nitrofurantoin near term: practice question

A Pharmacology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Pharmacology · Drugs in pregnancy: nitrofurantoin near term

Sample item

A woman at 39 weeks with a urinary infection is considered for an antibiotic that can cause haemolysis in a G6PD-deficient newborn when used at term. Which drug is it?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Nitrofurantoin

Nitrofurantoin is avoided at term and during labour because the immature newborn red cells and any G6PD deficiency can lead to haemolysis. It is generally acceptable earlier in pregnancy. Cephalosporins and penicillins are safe alternatives.

Option by option

  • A. Nitrofurantoin (correct)

    Correct. It may cause neonatal haemolysis when used near term.

  • B. Cefalexin

    Cefalexin is considered safe in late pregnancy.

  • C. Fosfomycin

    Fosfomycin is a single-dose option without this neonatal haemolysis concern.

  • D. Amoxicillin

    Amoxicillin is considered safe in late pregnancy.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Pharmacology questions

Questions about this Pharmacology question

What is the answer to this Pharmacology question?

The best answer is A, Nitrofurantoin. Nitrofurantoin is avoided at term and during labour because the immature newborn red cells and any G6PD deficiency can lead to haemolysis.

Why is "Cefalexin" not the answer?

Cefalexin is considered safe in late pregnancy.

Why is "Fosfomycin" not the answer?

Fosfomycin is a single-dose option without this neonatal haemolysis concern.

Why is "Amoxicillin" not the answer?

Amoxicillin is considered safe in late pregnancy.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Drugs in pregnancy: nitrofurantoin near term in Pharmacology. It is generally acceptable earlier in pregnancy. Cephalosporins and penicillins are safe alternatives.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Drugs in pregnancy: nitrofurantoin near term?

Learn drugs as classes, then the exception in each class that an examiner would pick. Then use the flashcards and the other Pharmacology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.