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). …show more content…
Category C drugs are suspected of causing fetal harm during pregnancy that may be reversible, however the use of category C drugs is somewhat contradicted and a risks verse benefits model of care should be consulted before the use of Nifedipine (Australia, M 2016 & Department of Health Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) 2011). Due to ethical limitations on drug trials in pregnancy, there is very limited evidence on the safety, efficacy and ideal dosing regime for many drugs in pregnancy. Hence why drug categorisation is a necessity during pregnancy to aid in the limitation of fetal exposure to potentially teratogenic substances (TGA
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). …show more content…
Category C drugs are suspected of causing fetal harm during pregnancy that may be reversible, however the use of category C drugs is somewhat contradicted and a risks verse benefits model of care should be consulted before the use of Nifedipine (Australia, M 2016 & Department of Health Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) 2011). Due to ethical limitations on drug trials in pregnancy, there is very limited evidence on the safety, efficacy and ideal dosing regime for many drugs in pregnancy. Hence why drug categorisation is a necessity during pregnancy to aid in the limitation of fetal exposure to potentially teratogenic substances (TGA