Pharmacokinetics

Changes begin in first trimester and peak in second

Absorption

  • N/V and delayed gastric emptying
  • Increased in gastric pH

Distribution

  • Increase in maternal plasma volume
  • ↑ fat: ↑ Vd of fat soluble medications
  • ↓ Albumin: ↑ Vd of highly bound drugs

Metabolism

  • Estrogen and progesterone alter liver enzyme activity (increase or decrease elimination)

Elimination

  • ↑ GFR by up to 50%
  • Unbound drugs more rapidly cleared by kidney and liver
  • Estrogen causes cholestasis - slowed clearance of drugs