Question
According to current obstetric guidelines, which drug is preferred for long-term management of chronic hypertension during pregnancy?
| A. | Extended-release nifedipine |
| B. |
Hydralazine |
| C. |
Sodium nitroprusside |
| D. |
Furosemide |
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer » A Explanation |
 |
Chronic hypertension in pregnancy requires antihypertensive therapy that is:
- Safe for both mother and fetus
- Effective for prolonged blood pressure control
- Suitable for outpatient long-term use
Current guidelines commonly prefer:
- Labetalol
- Extended-release nifedipine
Among the given options, extended-release nifedipine is the best choice.
A. Extended-release nifedipine
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker widely used for chronic hypertension in pregnancy.
Advantages:
- Effective long-term BP control
- Once-daily extended-release preparation
- Better patient compliance
- Safe in pregnancy
- Fewer CNS side effects than methyldopa
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
B. Hydralazine
- Mainly used for:
- Acute severe hypertension
- Hypertensive emergency in pregnancy
- Not preferred for long-term outpatient therapy.
C. Sodium nitroprusside
- Reserved for refractory hypertensive emergencies.
- Risk of fetal cyanide toxicity.
- Contraindicated for routine long-term use in pregnancy.
D. Furosemide
- Diuretics are not first-line drugs for chronic hypertension in pregnancy.
- May reduce placental perfusion.