PEARLS
Preeclampsia Research Laboratories
Preeclampsia medications
Common drugs in use in Australia are
- Clonidine/ methydopa
- Nifedipine
- Hydralazine
- Diazoxide
These drugs have different mechanisms of action and so often the plan is to use a combination of two at lower doses rather than go for a big dose of one medication. This reduces the side effects of one medication and gains the benefit of lower blood pressure with less side effects.
The medications are generally chosen depending on the experience of the staff using them.. There is no scientific evidence to support one medication over another.
Needless to say, newer medications are not proven to be safe in pregnancy by as many years of experience and therefore are not recommended.
Clonidine and methyldopa have been used for several decades and are commonly used around the globe. They have a "central action" whereby they decrease blood pressure.
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