Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker which has been commonly used in the treatment of preterm labor with dilation of the cervix, with good results. However, the main benefit of a tocolytic drug is the prolongation of pregnancy for a 48-hour period to allow the steroid effect to enhance fetal lung maturity.
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How does nifedipine help preterm labor?
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker which has been commonly used in the treatment of preterm labor with dilation of the cervix, with good results. However, the main benefit of a tocolytic drug is the prolongation of pregnancy for a 48-hour period to allow the steroid effect to enhance fetal lung maturity.
How long do you take nifedipine for preterm labor?
Nifedipine 20 mg sublingual, repeated after 30 minutes if contractions do not decrease in intensity. Maintenance of 120-160 mgs of slow-release nifedipine daily for 48 hours. Once contractions cease, nifedipine will be maintained at 80-120 mg daily in divided doses up to 36 weeks.
What is the mechanism of nifedipine tocolytic activity?
Their mechanism of action in tocolysis involves the blockade of L-type Ca2+ channels, influenced by the Ca2+-activated K+ channels, beta-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs) and sexual hormones.
Can nifedipine stop real labor?
How effective is nifedipine? Nifedipine can reduce the number and frequency of contractions, but its effect and how long it lasts varies from one woman to another. Like all tocolytic medications, CCBs don’t prevent or delay preterm delivery for a significant period.
How does nifedipine affect the fetus?
Conclusion: The results suggest that, in addition to tocolysis, nifedipine can cause vascular dilatation in both the uterus and the placenta. The use of nifedipine within the normal dose range does not appear to adversely affect fetal outcome and may potentially improve fetal outcome in some disorders of pregnancy.
Why is nifedipine used in pregnancy?
Nifedipine is an effective drug to treat severe hypertension in pregnancy and preterm labour. Because it is given in a tablet or capsule by mouth, it is easier to use than intravenous drugs. The described side effects of nifedipine to the pregnant woman and her infant appear minimal.
What is the work of nifedipine in pregnancy?
What is nifedipine? Nifedipine belong to a group of medications called calcium channel blockers. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina). Sometimes it is used to stop labor before 37 weeks of pregnancy (preterm delivery).
Why is nifedipine as a tocolytic?
Nifedipine (Adalat) is a calcium-channel blocker that acts by relaxing smooth muscle. Its main use until now has been in the management of hypertension and angina. When used in preterm labor, it relaxes the uterine wall muscle, decreasing contractions and prolonging the time to delivery.
Does nifedipine affect fetus?
What are the side effects of nifedipine while pregnant?
Other commonly reported side effects of nifedipine are maternal tachycardia, palpitations, flushing, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Continuous monitoring of the fetal heart rate is recommended as long as the patient has contractions; the patient’s pulse and blood pressure should be carefully monitored.
Does nifedipine cause low amniotic fluid?
Conclusions: the use of high doses of nifedipine with tocolysis causes a decrease of the maternal’s diastolic blood pressure and consequently decreases the amniotic fluid index, but probably without any clinical repercussions.
Why nifedipine is safe in pregnancy?
Conclusions: The dihydropyridine group of calcium channel blockers (type II calcium blockers) and, specifically, nifedipine are safe for use in pregnancy. They have little teratogenic or fetotoxic potential.
Which is better labetalol or nifedipine?
Conclusions: Both labetalol and nifedipine were effective for control of persistent postpartum hypertension. However, labetalol achieved control significantly more often with the starting dose and had fewer side effects.
What is the function of nifedipine?
Nifedipine is used to treat high blood pressure and to control angina (chest pain). Nifedipine is in a class of medications called calcium-channel blockers. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard.
Why is nifedipine given in pregnancy?
Conclusions. Nifedipine is an effective drug to treat severe hypertension in pregnancy and preterm labour. Because it is given in a tablet or capsule by mouth, it is easier to use than intravenous drugs. The described side effects of nifedipine to the pregnant woman and her infant appear minimal.
Does nifedipine affect baby?
The use of nifedipine within the normal dose range does not appear to adversely affect fetal outcome and may potentially improve fetal outcome in some disorders of pregnancy.