REBECCA ESCALA N-212

Common Drugs for Pregnancy Induced Hypertension Common treatment methods include methyldopa, labetalol, nifedipine and magnesium sulfate. Methyldopa Methyldopa (Aldomet), a drug used to treat pregnancy-induced hypertension, belongs to a classification of drugs known as anti-hypertensives. This drug is considered a safe choice because it does not alter cardiac blood flow to the kidneys or the fetus. Side effects of methyldopa may include drowsiness, headache, muscle weakness and swelling of the feet or ankles. Do not stop taking methyldopa abruptly; it may cause an unsafe fluctuation in your blood pressure.

Labetalol

Labetalol works by affecting the body's response to nerve impulses within the heart. This causes the heart to beat slower and therefore lowers systemic blood pressure. This medication can be taken at home in pill form. Dizziness, tiredness and headache are possible side effects of labetalol.
Nifedipine

Nifedipine (Procardia) is in a classification of drugs called calcium-channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. Nifedipine increases the heart's supply of oxygen and blood. This drug is considered safe for use during pregnancy. Side effects may include headache, nausea, dizziness and flushing.
Magnesium Sulfate

If your preeclampsia is severe, your doctor may prescribe an anticonvulsive medication, such as magnesium sulfate, to prevent a first seizure, reports the Mayo Clinic. Magnesium sulfate works by helping to prevent the occurrence of seizures in women who are preeclamptic. This medication is given intravenously under close supervision. A concern while taking magnesium sulfate is developing toxicity of the drug. Blood pressure, deep tendon reflexes and mental status will be closely monitored. Side effects include headache, blurred vision and dizziness.

salpingectomy
Surgical removal of the fallopian tube. Also called tubectomy.

Salpingectomy refers to the surgical removal of a Fallopian tube.

salpingostomy

a surgical operation to open up a blocked Fallopian tube

the formation of an artificial opening into a Fallopian tube.

Magnesium sulfate is used to treat pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and preterm labor. Pre-eclampsia (also known as toxemia and Pregnancy-Induced High Blood Pressure) consists of high blood pressure, protein in the urine and edema (swelling). It can rapidly become severe pre-eclampsia, with very high blood pressure, visual disturbances, failing kidneys and elevated liver enzymes. In rare cases, pre-eclampsia develops into eclampsia, where potentially fatal convulsions occur. It also can become HELLP Syndrome (hemolysis (H), which is the breaking down of red blood cells, elevated liver enzymes (EL), and low platelet count (LP)), which is potentially fatal to both the woman and her baby or babies.

Treating Pre-Eclampsia and Eclampsia

1. Why is magnesium sulfate used for pre-eclampsia and eclampsia? This drug typically is used in obstetrics to prevent severe pre-eclampsia from becoming eclampsia (life-threatening convulsions). It also is used to stop the convulsions of eclampsia. In the United States, it has been used to treat severe pre-eclampsia for 60 years (Lancet, 1997, Vol. 350, p. 1491) and is FDA-approved for this purpose. 2. How is it administered? It usually is given to patients through an IV in the hospital, and sometimes it is administered in shots. A woman experiencing pre-eclampsia may receive a loading (big) dose through an IV of 4 to 6 grams and a continuous dose of 1-2 grams per hour. She may receive these doses before giving birth and sometimes for at least 24 hours after giving birth. If a woman is having convulsions from eclampsia, she may receive a single dose of 4 to 6 grams to try to stop the convulsions. 3. How long do patients take magnesium sulfate? In severe pre-eclampsia, magnesium sulfate is used for short periods of time (24 to 48 hours) until the baby or babies can be delivered, which is the only "cure" for pre-eclampsia. If the baby or babies will be premature, it can buy enough time to administer drugs to the woman to strengthen the baby's lungs (corticosteroids like betamethasone). 4. a. What are some of the most common side effects of magnesium sulfate? Flushing Nausea Vomiting

Palpitations Headache General muscle weakness Lethargy Constipation

4. b. What are some of the complications of magnesium sulfate(sometimes occurring with magnesium overdose)? Note: Your doctor can ensure your safety by monitoring you carefully and by making sure your kidneys are fully functioning. This can be done with a blood test. Severe pre-eclampsia sometimes can cause a woman's kidneys to fail, and that can intensify the risk of a magnesium sulfate overdose. A blood test can check the level of magnesium in your body.

Cardiac arrest Pulmonary edema (lungs fill with fluid; can be fatal) Chest pain Cardiac conduction defects Low blood pressure Low calcium Increased urinary calcium Visual disturbances Decreased bone density Respiratory depression (difficulty breathing) Muscular hyperexcitability

Rare, Severe Complications

Profound muscular paralysis Paralytic ileus (intestinal obstruction) . Does magnesium sulfate affect my baby or babies? Yes, it crosses the placenta. After your baby or babies are born, they may have some of it in their blood. Magnesium levels usually return to normal within a few days.