Antihypertensive drugs in pregnancy.
Blood pressure targets and medications that are safe differ in pregnant women compared with nonpregnant individuals. The principles of treatment for mild, moderate, and severe hypertension in pregnancy, chronic versus gestational versus preeclampsia, and women hypertensive at term versus remote from term are reviewed. The choice of antihypertensive drugs also is discussed; methyldopa, labetalol, and nifedipine, among others, appear safe for use in pregnancy, whereas angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers should be avoided. The management of increased blood pressure in the postpartum period, and agents to use in lactation, are also discussed.
Division of Nephrology, McGill University Health Center, Royal Victoria Hospital, 687 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. tiina.podymow@muhc.mcgill.ca
Tiina
T
Podymow
Phyllis
P
August
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D046110:Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000628:therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents