title: Use of antihypertensive drugs during pregnancy and lactation.
abstract: The decision to treat elevated arterial pressure in pregnancy depends on the risk and benefits imposed on the mother and the fetus. Treatment for mild-to-moderate hypertension during pregnancy may not reduce maternal or fetal risk. Severe hypertension, on the other hand, should be treated to decrease maternal risk. Methyldopa and beta-adrenoceptor antagonists have been used most extensively. In acute severe hypertension, intravenous labetalol or oral nifedipine are reasonable choices.
authors.affiliation: Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834, USA.
authors.forename: Firas A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Ghanem
authors.forename: Assad
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Movahed
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004232:Diuretics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D046110:Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007774:Lactation / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000502:physiology*; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D004232:Diuretics