Pregnancy

Question 1

What factors affect the absorption of drugs in pregnancy

Answer 1

• N + V
  -Gastric acid
• Transit time

Question 2

Nausea + Vomiting

Answer 2

• Onset in FIRST trimester.
• Other possible causes must be excluded before diagnosis.
• Begins: 4-7 weeks
• Peaks: 9-16 weeks
• Resolves: 16-20 weeks

Question 3

N + V - onset after 11 weeks

Answer 3

• Alternative cause is likely, NOT pregnancy.

Question 4

Gastric acid

Answer 4

• Decreased gastric acid in pregnancy.
• Affects drugs which rely on gastric acid for absorption, e.g. aspirin.
• Increased absorption of weak bases, e.g. caffeine.

Question 5

Transit time

Answer 5

• Production of progesterone = reduced transit time.
• CO output and intestinal blood flow increased.
• Balances out.

Question 6

What factors affect distribution in pregancy?

Answer 6

• CV changes
• Plasma proteins
• Compartments