Drugs in the Management of Cardiovascular Disease


Medication

Example

Indication

Main adverse effects on the cardiovascular system

β-agonists

Hexoprenaline (Ipradol)®

Tocolysis

Tachycardia

Peripheral vasodilatation

Pulmonary edema

Calcium channel blocker

Nifedipine (Adalat®)

Tocolysis

Hypotension

Hypertension

Tachycardia

Oxytocin receptor antagonist

Atosiban (Antocin®)

Tocolysis

None

NSAIDs

Indomethacin (Indocid®)

Tocolysis

Vasoconstriction

MgSO4

MgSO4

Neuroprotection for the fetusTocolysis in USA

Almost none

Oxytocin

Oxytocin (Syntocinon®)

Labour augmentation or induction

Hypotension

Uterine involution

Ergot alkaloids

Ergometrine (Ergometrine®)

Postpartum haemorrhage

Vasoconstriction

Prostaglandins

 F2Alpha

Dinoprost (Prostin F2Alpha®)

Postpartum haemorrhage/TOP

Bronchospasm

 Prostaglandin E1

Misoprostol (Cytotec®)

Induction of labour/TOP

None

Postpartum haemorrhage






Conclusion


Almost all medications used in obstetric practice have cardiovascular effects. The use of drugs with potential adverse effects on the cardiovascular system may increase the likelihood of morbidity and mortality in pregnant women with heart disease. A thorough knowledge of the patient’s current and prior medical history is mandatory before administering any medication, and medications known to have haemodynamic consequences are best avoided in patients with known cardiac disease.


References



Aflaifel N, Weeks AD. Active management of the third stage of labour. BMJ. 2012;345:e4546.PubMedCrossRef


Caughey AB, Parer JT. Tocolysis with beta-adrenergic receptor agonists. Semin Perinatol. 2001;25:248–55.PubMedCrossRef


Crowther CA, Hiller JE, Doyle LW, Haslam RR, Australasian Collaborative Trial of Magnesium Sulphate Collaborative Group. Effect of magnesium sulfate given for neuroprotection before preterm birth: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2003;290:2669–76.PubMedCrossRef
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Jul 10, 2016 | Posted by in CARDIOLOGY | Comments Off on Drugs in the Management of Cardiovascular Disease

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