Why is nifedipine used in preterm labor?
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker which has been commonly used in the treatment of preterm labor with dilation of the cervix, with good results. However, the main benefit of a tocolytic drug is the prolongation of pregnancy for a 48-hour period to allow the steroid effect to enhance fetal lung maturity.
How do you give nifedipine for preterm labor?
A recommended initial dosage of nifedipine is 20 mg orally, followed by 20 mg orally after 30 minutes. If contractions persist, therapy can be continued with 20 mg orally every 3-8 hours for 48-72 hours with a maximum dose of 160 mg/d.
How is nifedipine used as a tocolytic?
For studies evaluating acute tocolysis, nifedipine dosing regimens were similar across the trials with loading doses of 10 to 30 mg administered orally or sublingually, followed by 10 to 20 mg orally every four to eight hours for 24 to 72 hours.
Is nifedipine safe in early pregnancy?
Conclusions: The dihydropyridine group of calcium channel blockers (type II calcium blockers) and, specifically, nifedipine are safe for use in pregnancy. They have little teratogenic or fetotoxic potential.
Does nifedipine work for preterm labor?
CCBs work by preventing calcium from moving into the muscle cells of the uterus, making it less able to contract. CCBs are a subset of a group of drugs called tocolytics. One study shows that nifedipine is the most effective CCB for postponing preterm labor and that it’s more effective than other tocolytics.
How long can you take nifedipine for contractions?
Maintenance of 120-160 mgs of slow-release nifedipine daily for 48 hours. Once contractions cease, nifedipine will be maintained at 80-120 mg daily in divided doses up to 36 weeks….Two Dose Regimens of Nifedipine for the Management of Preterm Labor.
| Last Update Posted: | July 19, 2013 |
| Last Verified: | July 2013 |
How long does it take for nifedipine to stop contractions?
A tocolytic agent such as nifedipine can delay the labor for over 48 hours . Nifedipine works by causing some of your blood vessels to relax and widen. When a woman goes into labor at 37 weeks or earlier, it’s called preterm labor and the baby is … We compared two dose regimens of tocolytic oral nifedipine.
What is nifedipine drug used for?
Nifedipine is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, taking nifedipine helps to prevent future heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. Nifedipine is also used to prevent chest pain caused by angina. Occasionally, it’s used to treat Raynaud’s phenomenon and chilblains.
When does nifedipine stop preterm labor?
Nifedipine belong to a group of medications called calcium channel blockers. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina). Sometimes it is used to stop labor before 37 weeks of pregnancy (preterm delivery).
How does nifedipine affect the fetus?
Conclusion: The results suggest that, in addition to tocolysis, nifedipine can cause vascular dilatation in both the uterus and the placenta. The use of nifedipine within the normal dose range does not appear to adversely affect fetal outcome and may potentially improve fetal outcome in some disorders of pregnancy.
Does nifedipine affect baby?
Nifedipine has no side effects for your baby. The possible side effects for you may include: constipation. diarrhea.