Why is Doxycycline generally avoided when treating brucellosis in pregnant individuals?
Answer
Tetracyclines can interfere with fetal bone development and permanently stain developing teeth.
Doxycycline, belonging to the tetracycline class of antibiotics, carries specific risks when administered during pregnancy due to its mechanism of action impacting calcified tissues. The substance is known to interfere negatively with the normal process of fetal bone development occurring in utero. Furthermore, a key recognized side effect is the potential for permanent staining on developing teeth of the offspring. Because of these serious potential developmental side effects, the treatment protocol mandates shifting to alternative agents like TMP-SMX for pregnant patients to ensure maternal infection clearance without harming the fetus.

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