Use of labetalol and methyldopa in pregnancy-induced hypertension.
1 Nineteen pregnant patients whose mean arterial pressure (MAP) was persistently greater than or equal to 103.3 mmHg were given labetalol or methyldopa. 2 Singificant falls (P less than 0.001) in BP only occurred in the group treated with labetalol, and daily BP control was better in this group. 3 Two severely hypertensive patients were successfully treated with intravenous labetalol. 4 There was a higher incidence of spontaneous labour in the labetalol group and a significant difference (P less than 0.05) in the Bishop score of the cervix between the two groups. 5 There were no apparent detrimental effects on the foetus antenatally, during labour or post partum. 6 Slight breathlessness in one patient treated with labetalol was the only side-effect observed but drowsiness, headache and postural hypotension were reported in patients receiving methyldopa.
D000284:Administration, Oral; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007741:Labetalol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008750:Methyldopa / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
D004983:Ethanolamines; D008750:Methyldopa; D007741:Labetalol