Drugs & Pregnancy

-Absorption decreases for oral drugs but intramuscular and inhaled drugs have an
increased absorption due to increased tidal volume and CO
-Distribution
-Metabolism increases for some drugs such as phenytoin (p450 is upregulated by e
strogen and progesterone). But some other CYP isozymes are decreased,
so more sensitive to caffeine.
-Elimination (Excretion) increases
-Codeine needs to be metabolized before it is activated.
-Maternal albumin goes down, and fetal albumin goes up
-Treating constipation: water+fiber (just fiber will make you constipated); milk
of magnesia can also help. Calcium supplements will cause constipation.
-GERD: treat with calcium carbonate (Tums), rebound can occur.
-Antiemetcs should only be given if vomiting is very severe. Otherwise, just gat
oride.
-Pregnancy induced hypertension: preeclampsia and eeclampsia. Treatment: Deliver
the baby.
Hydralazine is a true vasodilator, used to decrease blood pressure.