What are the high blood pressure medications for preeclampsia?

Controlling high blood pressure is an important part of the treatment of preeclampsia. Keep in mind, lowering high blood pressure will not prevent preeclampsia from getting worse. This is because high blood pressure is only one of the symptoms of preeclampsia, not the cause. However, stable and normal blood pressure is certainly good for the health of the mother and her womb. So, know the various high blood pressure drug options to help treat preeclampsia in this article.

Overview of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a condition in which blood pressure and protein in the urine rise after 20 weeks (end of the 2nd or 3rd trimester) of pregnancy. A woman can experience this condition even though she has no previous history of hypertension or high blood pressure. At least 5-8 percent of pregnant women experience preeclampsia.

Until now, the main cause of preeclampsia is still not known with certainty. However, experts believe that this condition occurs due to abnormalities in the growth and development of the placenta that interferes with blood flow to the fetus and mother. This condition is usually characterized by increased pressure to 140/90 mmHG or more, swelling of the hands, feet and face, and sudden weight gain within 1-2 days.

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Problems that often arise in the fetus due to preeclampsia are premature births and low birth weight.

Choice of blood pressure medication to help treat preeclampsia

Controlling high blood pressure is an important part of the treatment of preeclampsia. You may need blood pressure medication if your blood pressure reaches a high level. In addition to lowering blood pressure, blood pressure medications can also be prescribed to prevent seizures.

Some medications your doctor may prescribe to lower your blood pressure and protect you from complications include:

1. Magnesium sulfate

If you have pregnancy-related seizures (eclampsia) and have moderate to severe preeclampsia, your doctor may prescribe magnesium sulfate. This medicine is usually started before giving birth and is continued for 24 hours after delivery.

2.Methyldopa (Aldomet)

This drug is alpha-adrenergic, which affects the central nervous system and blocks the medulla oblongata in the brain from sending signals to the blood vessels to constrict (which increases blood pressure). The daily dose you will need is 500 milligrams (mg) to 2 grams, divided into two to four doses. Methyldopa can also be given intravenously if needed.

3. Labetalol (Normodyne or Trandate)

It also blocks vasoconstricting impulses and is safe to use during pregnancy. The dosage is generally 100 mg, twice daily, and can be increased weekly to a total of 800 mg, three times daily. Labetalol is also safe to use intravenously into a vein.

4.Nifedipin (Procardia)

This drug is a calcium channel barrier that can soften blood vessels and reduce heart rate. Nifedipine is reported to be safe during pregnancy, although it has not been used as long as methyldopa and labetalol. When used during pregnancy, long-acting formula (Procardia XL, Adalat CC) are often the choice.

This medicine is taken only once a day, usually 30 mg. If necessary, the dose can be increased to 90 mg daily.

5. Atenolol (Tenormin) and clonidine (Catapres)

Atenolol and clonidine are other options, but they have not been used routinely by pregnant women like the other medicines listed above.

6.Hydralazine (Apresoline)

This medicine is more often used in intravenous fluids to control high blood pressure in pregnancy.

7. Corticosteroids

If you have severe preeclampsia, corticosteroid medications can temporarily increase liver and platelet function to help prolong your pregnancy. Corticosteroids can also help your baby's lungs become more mature within 48 hours, an important step in preparing premature babies for life outside the womb.

Some high blood pressure medications are dangerous if taken during pregnancy. If you are taking high blood pressure medications, talk to your doctor about the safety of your medication. Discuss this before you become pregnant or as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Make sure that your doctor has a complete list of all the medicines you take.