Pharmacokinetics and Target Attainment of Antimicrobial Drugs Throughout Pregnancy. Part II: Cephalosporins.
Clin PharmacokinetAug 26, 2026 (epub)
Femke A Elzinga, Kaylee R M Ferrier, Fabian Mulder et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review evaluated the pharmacokinetics of cephalosporins in pregnant women, analyzing 44 studies. It found that during the second and third trimesters, the volume of distribution and clearance of these antibiotics increased significantly, leading to reduced target attainment. Evidence-based dosing regimens were proposed for only seven cephalosporins.
Key findings
- Volume of distribution increased by 9.2-18.4% during the second and third trimesters.
- Clearance rates were 30.8-100% higher in pregnant women compared to nonpregnant women.
- Reduced target attainment was observed in the second and third trimesters.
- Evidence-based dosing regimens were identified for only seven out of 35 cephalosporins.
Why it matters
Understanding the pharmacokinetics of antibiotics in pregnancy is crucial for ensuring effective treatment. The findings highlight the need for tailored dosing strategies to optimize therapeutic outcomes for pregnant patients.