Which antibiotic is typically used for GBS prophylaxis during labor?

Which antibiotic is typically used for GBS prophylaxis during labor?

• A. Amoxicillin
• B. Erythromycin
• C. Penicillin G
• D. Vancomycin

Answer: (C)

The goal is to prevent the newborn from being exposed to group B Streptococcus during birth by giving antibiotics during labor. Penicillin G given IV is the drug of choice because GBS is highly susceptible to penicillins, it achieves effective levels quickly when given IV, and it has a strong safety profile for both mother and fetus. This intrapartum prophylaxis significantly lowers the risk of early-onset GBS disease in the newborn. Alternatives like erythromycin are less reliable due to resistance, and vancomycin is reserved for penicillin-allergic patients with severe reactions or resistant organisms. Amoxicillin isn’t the standard IV agent for intrapartum prophylaxis.

The goal is to prevent the newborn from being exposed to group B Streptococcus during birth by giving antibiotics during labor. Penicillin G given IV is the drug of choice because GBS is highly susceptible to penicillins, it achieves effective levels quickly when given IV, and it has a strong safety profile for both mother and fetus. This intrapartum prophylaxis significantly lowers the risk of early-onset GBS disease in the newborn. Alternatives like erythromycin are less reliable due to resistance, and vancomycin is reserved for penicillin-allergic patients with severe reactions or resistant organisms. Amoxicillin isn’t the standard IV agent for intrapartum prophylaxis.