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
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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