skip to main content

Prescribing in Pregnancy — UKMLA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardPharmacologyPrescribing in PregnancyUKMLAPARAPSAMRCGP AKT

A patient taking doxycycline for acne discovers she is 6 weeks pregnant. What is the best medicine action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Stop doxycycline and select a pregnancy-compatible regimen

The best answer is “Stop doxycycline and select a pregnancy-compatible regimen”. Tetracyclines are avoided in pregnancy because of fetal tooth and bone effects. Doxycycline is stopped and acne severity and pregnancy-compatible topical options are reviewed; oral isotretinoin is strongly teratogenic and must not be used.

Reference: NICE NG198: Acne vulgaris management: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng198/chapter/Recommendations