**Medications for High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy** ### Types of Medications Used to Treat Hypertension in Pregnant Women There are several types of medications used to treat hypertension in pregnant women. #### **Diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide)** * May cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance * Can increase risk of low blood sugar, especially in women with diabetes * Should be used cautiously in pregnancy due to potential effects on the fetus * Examples: Hydrochlorothiazide, Furosemide, Metolazone #### **Potassium-Sparing Diuretics (e.g., spironolactone)** * May cause breast enlargement in men * Should be used with caution in pregnant women due to potential effects on the fetus * Examples: Spironolactone, Eplerenone #### **Beta-Blockers** * Can cause dizziness, weakness, fatigue, and fainting * May affect breathing, leading to shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or chest pain * Should not be discontinued abruptly, as this can lead to heart attack or sudden death * Examples: Propranolol, Metoprolol, Atenolol #### **Inhibitory ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) Inhibitors** * Most common side effect is a dry cough, which usually subsides with continued use of the drug * May lower blood pressure too much, causing hypotension and decreased kidney function * Examples: Lisinopril, Captopril, Enalapril #### **Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)** * Most common side effect is increased blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia) * May cause dizziness, fatigue, and upper respiratory tract infections * Examples: Losartan, Valsartan, Candesartan #### **Calcium Channel Blockers** * Up to one-third of patients may experience edema, dizziness, and gastrointestinal problems (e.g., heartburn) * May be used in pregnancy when other options are not available * Examples: Amlodipine, Nifedipine, Verapamil #### **Alpha-Blockers** * Common side effect is postural hypotension, which can cause dizziness or fainting * May also increase heart rate, cause headaches, nausea, and weakness * Examples: Prazosin, Doxazosin #### **Methyldopa** * Generally well-tolerated, but may cause dizziness, insomnia, and dry mouth * Can be used in pregnancy when other options are not available * Examples: Methyldopa #### **Clonidine (Catapres)** * Common side effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, headache, constipation, and skin reactions * May cause excessive sedation or respiratory depression if taken with other medications * Examples: Clonidine #### **Guanadrel and Guanethidine** * Can cause diarrhea, weight gain, and dizziness * May also increase heart rate and blood pressure * Examples: Guanadrel, Guanethidine #### **Minoxidil** * Common side effects include excessive body hair growth, weight gain, and dizziness * May be used off-label for hypertension in pregnancy when other options are not available #### **Hydralazine** * Common side effects include headaches, palpitations, swelling around the eyes, and joint pain * May be used to manage severe hypertension during pregnancy **Can I Take Pregnancy Medication Safely During Pregnancy?** Some hypertension medications should not be used during pregnancy because they can harm the mother and the developing fetus. These medications include: * Inhibitory ACE inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril, Captopril, Enalapril) * Angiotensin II receptor blockers (e.g., Losartan, Valsartan, Candesartan) * Reserpine However, methyldopa and some diuretics and beta-blockers (e.g., labetalol) are considered safe options during pregnancy.