The Pharmacokinetics and Target Attainment of Antimicrobial Drugs Throughout Pregnancy: Part III Non-penicillin and Non-cephalosporin Drugs

Introduction Understanding the pharmacokinetics (PK) of antimicrobial drugs in pregnant women is crucial to provide effective and safe treatment. This study is part of a series that systematically reviews literature on the PK and analyzes if, based on the changed PK, evidence-based dosing regimens have been developed for adequate target attainment in pregnant women. This part focusses on antimicrobials other than penicillins and cephalosporins. Methods A literature search was conducted in PubMed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Search strategy, study selection, and data extraction were independently performed by two investigators. Studies were labeled as relevant when information on the PK of antimicrobial drugs in pregnant women was available. Extracted parameters included bioavailability for oral drugs, volume of distribution (Vd) and clearance (CL), trough and peak drug concentrations, time of maximum concentration, area under the curve and half-life, probability of target attainment, and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). In addition, if developed, evidence-based dosing regimens were also extracted. Results Of the 62 antimicrobials included in the search strategy, concentrations or PK data during pregnancy of 18 drugs were reported. Twenty-nine studies were included, of which three discussed aminoglycosides, one carbapenem, six quinolones, four glycopeptides, two rifamycines, one sulfonamide, five tuberculostatic drugs, and six others. Eleven out of 29 studies included information on both Vd and CL. For linezolid, gentamicin, tobramycin, and moxifloxacin, altered PK throughout pregnancy, especially in second and third trimester, has been reported. However, no target attainment was studied and no evidence-based dosing developed. On the other hand, the ability to reach adequate targets was assessed for vancomycin, clindamycin, rifampicin, rifapentine, ethambutol, pyrazinamide, and isoniazid. For the first six mentioned drugs, no dosage adaptations during pregnancy seem to be needed. Studies on isoniazid provide contradictory results. Conclusion This systematic literature review shows that a very limited number of studies have been performed on the PK of antimicrobials drugs—other than cephalosporins and penicillins—in pregnant women.