Pharm - Pregnancy Flashcards
What are the three timeframes that impact the likelihood of teratogenic effect
- Pre-embryonic period (0-14 days)
- Embryonic period (14-56 days)
- Fetal period (57 days to delivery)
What is impact of teratogen exposure during pre-embryonic period
exposure usually all or none effect; either dies or is damaged and then regenerates completely (sub-lethal exposure)
What is impact of teratogen exposure during embryonic period
organogenesis takes place, embryo must susceptible to teratogens; major structural changes or damage can occur
What is impact of teratogen exposure during fetal period
histogenesis and functional maturation, minor structural changes can occur but most anomalies are more likely to involve growth and functional aspects such as development of the brain and reproductive organs
Do most meds cross the placenta?
yes
List the 11 teratogenic drugs we need to know AND their FDA class
- ACE Inhibitors and ARBS: D
- Methimazole: D
- Atenolol: D
- Carbamezepine: D
- Methotrexate: X
- Paroxetine: D
- Phenytoin: D
- Systemic retinoids: X
- Tetracycline: D
- Valproic Acid: D
- Warfarin: X
Why is iron important during pregnancy
Required to expand maternal red cell mass and for the fetus and placenta
What two pregnancy related supplements are based on the elemental content?
iron
calcium
Which form of iron supplement is most common, why?
- ferrous sulfate (20% elemental iron)
- least expensive and MC used form of iron
What is supplementation recommendation for
- a non anemic woman?
- a woman with iron deficient anemia or risk of iron deficiency
- 15-30 mg/day
- 60-120 mg/day
RF for iron deficiency during pregnancy
- multiple gestation
- closely spaced pregnancies
- diet low in red meat and ascorbic acid
- chronic aspirin/NSAID use
- donate blood > 3/year
Why is folic acid important during pregnancy?
plays role in neural tube closure (by 6 weeks gestation)
Folic acid recommendations
- normal pregnancy
- high risk
- 0.4 mg/day
- 4 mg/day (starting 1 month prior to conception and at least 3 months into pregnancy)
How to supplement 4 mg of folic acid
- Can’t just take extra prenatal pills, will risk toxicity of other vitamins.
- Must use a folic acid supplement
Calcium recommended supplementation during pregnancy
- ≥19 yo: 1,000 mg/D
* <19 yo: 1,300 mg/D
What is most commonly type of calcium supplement used
calcium carbonate - higher amt of elemental calcium
Treatment of mild n/v during pregnancy
- Reassurance, lifestyle changes or medication. Want to avoid dehydration, hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis
- Frequent small meals, avoid strong smells. Bland fods higher in carbs and lower in fats usually better tolerated (French baguette and white potatoes!!)
First line therapies for n/v in pregnancy if lifestyle isn’t working
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
- Add doxylamine if not well controlled on pyridoxine alone
- Combo product: Diclegis: pyridoxine/doxylamine delayed release. Scheduled doses, not PRN
- Ginger (helps with nausea, not vomiting)
Second line therapies for n/v in pregnancy
- DC pyridoxine and doxylamine
- Start antihistamines (H1 antagonists)
• Meclizine (also for vertigo)
• Dimenhydrinate or diphenhydramine (drowsiness)
Third line therapies for n/v in pregnancy
- Dopamine receptor antagonist if antihistamines are inadequate
• Phenothiazine: Prochlorperazine
• Benzamide: Metoclopramide (Reglan) - ADR: sedation
Fourth line therapies for n/v in pregnancy
- 5-HT3 serotonin receptor antagonists
• Ondansetron (Zofran)
• Small risk of congenital anomalies – use with caution.
• Can cause QT prolongation, esp with arrhythmia RF
Hyperemesis gravidarum
- risk
Dehydration and malnutrition
Hyperemesis gravidarum
- tx
- hospitalization
- IV fluid
- electrolytes
- antiemetics
- sedation
- parenteral nutrition support
First line treatment for constipation in pregnancy
Nonpharm:
- increase exercise
- fluids
- fiber (cereals, fruits, vegetables, beans, wheat bran)
Second line treatment for constipation in pregnancy
laxatives
List the laxatives used in pregnancy in order of preference
- Bulk-producing
- Osmotic
- Stimulant
*most not absorbed out of gut so considered safe with ST use
Bulk-producing laxatives used in pregnancy
- Psyllium, calcium polycarbophil, methylcellulose
- Dilute in water and take before meal or at bedtime
- Increase fecal water content/volume, decrease colonic transit time, improve stool consistency
Osmotic laxatives
- only use short term or occasionally
- Polyethylene glycol (Miralax) is best option for chronic constipation
- Lactulose or sorbitol other options