What do beta blockers do during pregnancy?
β-Blockers are the most commonly used class of medication for treating cardiac conditions in pregnant women. Despite the common use of this class of medication, data that support its safety are limited. β-Blockers cross the placenta and potentially can cause physiological changes in the fetus.
Can beta blockers be taken during pregnancy?
Beta-blockers are a first-line medication for hypertension during pregnancy and are also used during pregnancy for various other maternal cardiac conditions.
Why are beta blockers contraindicated in pregnancy?
Despite the increased use of beta-blockers in pregnancy, there is only limited information on their possible teratogenic effects. Beta-blockers could reduce uteroplacental blood flow and could therefore lead to congenital anomalies in the offspring.
Which beta blocker is used in pregnancy?
It is concluded that atenolol and labetalol are safe and they are usually effective in the control of the hypertension complicating pregnancy. But labetalol appears to be better able to prevent the appearance of fetal growth retardation.
Which beta blocker is safest during pregnancy?
There is a general consensus that labetalol is safer than other β-blockers during pregnancy, and this drug is rapidly becoming the first-line choice in conditions, such as chronic hypertension during pregnancy.
Is Carbimazole safe in pregnancy?
It is important that normal thyroid function is maintained during pregnancy as the effects of an overactive thyroid can be harmful to both mother and unborn child. For some women carbimazole or methimazole may be considered the best medicines to maintain normal thyroid function during pregnancy.
Is timolol safe during pregnancy?
Oral beta-blockers are categorized as class C medications in pregnancy. No specific categorization is available for topical beta blockers. Timolol can cross the placental barrier, thus resulting in fetal bradycardia and cardiac arrhythmia.
Which beta blocker is indicated for hypertensive emergencies?
Labetalol, an alpha- and beta-blocking agent, has proven to be quite beneficial in the treatment of patients with hypertensive emergencies. Labetalol is particularly preferred in patients with acute dissection and those with end-stage renal disease.
Why is atenolol contraindicated in pregnancy?
Atenolol Pregnancy Warnings Beta-blocker use has been associated with decreased placental perfusion which may lead to intra-uterine deaths, immature and premature deliveries. Neonates exposed to this drug during the third trimester are at risk for adverse reactions due to beta-blockade.
Is metoprolol OK for pregnancy?
US: This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. AU and UK: Use is not recommended unless benefit outweighs risk; if used during pregnancy, administer the lowest possible dose and discontinue at least 2 to 3 days prior to expected delivery, if possible.
Is Inderal safe in pregnancy?
Propranolol Pregnancy Warnings This drug is only recommended for use during pregnancy when there are no alternatives and the benefit outweighs the risk. Beta blockers may cause decreased placental perfusion, fetal and neonatal bradycardia, and hypoglycemia.