7- Therapeutic considerations in pregnancy and lactation

Question 1

What is ion trapping? & why is it important in pregnancy?

Answer 1

If there is a pH gradient across a membrane, drug may become trapped on the side that has the higher ionized fraction, because only the non-ionized drug is diffusible.

This can occur across foetal & maternal membrane - can be trapped in foetal blood.

Question 2

T/F If a drug ca be absorbed orally I will likely be able to cross the placenta

Answer 2

True

Question 3

T/F drugs with high Vd more likely to cross placenta

Answer 3

True

Question 4

List 3 factors are important to consider when giving a lactating bitch drugs?

Answer 4

Effect on neonate, effect on lactation, is the drug licensed, Metabolic status of the dam, new route of elimination, Milk withdrawal times & human consumption

Question 5

T/F some drugs are inactivated by milk

Answer 5

True

Question 6

Drugs with what 3 properties can be eliminated via milk

Answer 6

Lipid soluble
Basic (non-ionised)
Lower plasma protein binding

Question 7

What is teratogenesis

Answer 7

is a process that causes birth defects or malformations in an embryo or foetus.