Prescribing in Pregnancy Flashcards
At how many weeks gestation is the first USS usually performed?
12 weeks
How does pregnancy affect volume of distribution?
Increases it
What should be taken for 3 months prior to pregnancy and for the duration of the first trimester?
400mg of folic acid.
What is the benefit of folic acid?
Prevents against neural tube defects.
In which trimester is the risk of teratogenic drugs greatest?
1st trimester
Avoid drugs if possible.
What is the result of drug side-effects in the second and third trimesters?
Intellectual impairment and behavioural abnormalities.
How does pregnancy affect drug compliance?
Compliance is poor during pregnancy.
Should antiepileptics be stopped during pregnancy?
No, but change to a low-dose monotherapy.
Which antiepileptics in particular should be avoided in pregnancy?
Sodium valproate
Phenytoin
What antihypertensives can be given in pregnancy?
Labetalol
Methyldopa
Nifedipine
What is given to pregnant mothers suffering from nausea and vomiting?
Cyclizine
If patient is at-risk of thromboembolism, what should be given?
Prophylactic LMWH
Give one dose at delivery and one 7 days following birth.
What is a side-effect of tetracyclines?
Staining of teeth and bones.
