DRUGS USED IN PREGNANCY-INDUCED HYPERTENSION

DRUG INDICATION DOSAGE COMMENTS

Muscle relaxant; Loading dose 4-6g; Infuse loading dose slowly over 15 to 30mins
prevent seizures maintenance dose 1- Always administer as a piggyback infusion
2g/h IV Assess respiratory rate, urine output, deep tendon
reflexes, and clonus every hour.
MAGNESIUM
Urine output should be over 30ml/hr and RR over
SULFATE
12/min. serum magnesium level should remain
below 7.5meq/L
Observe for CNS depression and hypotonia in infant
at birth and calcium deficit in the mother
Antihypertensive 5-10mg/IV Administer slowly to avoid sudden fall in blood
HYDRALAZINE(APRE (peripheral pressure
SOLINE) PREGNANCY vasodilator); used to Maintain diastolic pressure over 90mmHg to ensure
RISK CATEGORY C increase hypertension adequate placental filling.

Halt seizures 5-10mg/IV Administer slowly. Dose may be repeated every 5-

DIAZEPAM (VALIUM) 10 minutes (up to 30 mg/hr)
PREGNANCY RISK Observe for respiratory depression or hypotension
CATEGORY D
in mother and respiratory depression and hypotonia
in infant at birth

Antidote for 1g/IV (10Ml of a 10% Have prepared at bedside when administering
CALCIUM magnesium solution) magnesium sulfate
GLUCONATE intoxication Administer at 5ml/min
PREGNANCY RISK
CATEGORY C
Source: Karch, A.M. (2009), Lippincotts Nursing Drug Guide.