Sublingual nifedipine in human pregnancy.
BACKGROUND
Nifedipine is widely used for acute lowering of blood pressure in obstetric hypertensive emergencies. It has not been approved for this indication or widely assessed.


OBJECTIVE
To examine retrospectively the efficacy of nifedipine over a 12 month period in a high risk obstetric service.


METHODS
Chart review of all patients admitted to hospital in the antenatal period with moderate to severe hypertension. Description of their management, usage of nifedipine, and pregnancy outcome.


RESULTS
Sublingual nifedipine resulted in significant lowering of blood pressure without hypotension. Pregnancy outcome was satisfactory in all patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Sublingual nifedipine was effective, easy to administer, and without serious complications in this retrospective study.
Gallery
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ED
Department of Medicine, Sydney University, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW.
Györy
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AZ
D000286:Administration, Sublingual; D001034:Apgar Score; D001724:Birth Weight; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D009543:Nifedipine