True or False? Tetracyclines are safe for pregnancy and children.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not sure

Answer: (B)

Tetracyclines are not safe for use during pregnancy or in young children because they can affect developing teeth and bones. They bind calcium and get incorporated into mineralizing tissues, so they can cause permanent tooth discoloration (yellow to brown) and enamel defects in children. They also can interfere with bone growth in the fetus. Because they cross the placenta and can pass into breast milk, exposure can occur before birth or in infancy. For these reasons, they are generally avoided in pregnancy and in children under about 8 years old; safer antibiotic options should be used instead.