Nifedipine
Nifedipine is a common drug used to treat a variety of disorders from hypertension and angina to preventing premature labour in pregnancy (Aedla, N, et al. 2012). It originated in the early 1970’s from the works of Bayer, who developed the short-acting formulation that proved to be successful in controlling high blood pressure, however due to its side effects, was modified to a long-acting formula which produced fewer side effects and is commonly used in modern obstetric practice (Aedla, N, et al. 2012).
The use of Nifedipine is well established for controlling hypertension in those who struggle with hypertensive disorders, including pregnant women and the wider population, (Aedla, N, et al. 2012) although the focus of this assignment will be the use of Nifedipine to prevent premature labour. According to MIMS Online (2016), this is technically an ‘off the label’ use, however it is common practice in Australia and outlined as an appropriate treatment option for premature labour prevention in the evidence based South Australian Perinatal Practice Guidelines (SAPPG) (South Australian Maternal and Neonatal Clinical Network (SAMNCN) 2014).…