What is the effect of decreased hepatic enzyme levels during pregnancy?

Decreased hepatic enzyme levels during pregnancy lead to decreased drug metabolism. This phenomenon occurs because hormonal changes, particularly increased levels of progesterone, can suppress the activity of certain liver enzymes responsible for metabolizing drugs. As a result, the body is less efficient at processing and clearing medications from the system, which can lead to increased drug concentrations in the bloodstream, potentially enhancing both therapeutic effects and side effects of the medications being taken.

Understanding this dynamic is crucial for healthcare providers when prescribing medications to pregnant patients, as adjustments may be necessary to ensure safety and efficacy. In contrast to this correct statement, increased drug metabolism and no effect on drug metabolism are not accurate due to the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, alongside the possibility of increased protein binding of drugs, which further complicates pharmacokinetics. Therefore, recognizing the influence of decreased hepatic enzyme levels is vital in pharmacotherapy during pregnancy.