It is no secret that pregnant women often suffer from various disorders in the cardiovascular system, in particular from high blood pressure. Naturally, such a condition negatively affects both the well-being of the mother and the organism growing inside her. Therefore, many are interested in questions about whether Nifedipine is allowed during pregnancy. Are there any side effects? Is the medicine safe for the baby?
The drug "Nifedipine": description and properties
This medicine is available in various forms - these are tablets, dragees, solutions for infusion and drops. The main active substance, nifedipine, is a calcium channel blocker in smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes.
The drug in question has antihypertensive properties. In addition, since the drug affects the muscle wall of blood vessels, a pronounced vasodilating effect is observed. The medication is widely used in modern cardiology to control blood pressure, relieve angina attacks , treat heart attacks and cardiomyopathy. Doctors often recommend Nifedipine during pregnancy. Indeed, during this period it is extremely important to maintain the normal functioning of the circulatory system.
What is Nifedipine used for during pregnancy?
During the bearing of a child, the woman’s body becomes more susceptible to certain diseases. For example, existing heart problems may worsen during pregnancy. Indeed, now the growing organism of the child should be supplied with blood, which increases the load on the cardiovascular system.
In some cases, similar problems appear as a complication. For example, many women in the second half of pregnancy suffer from high blood pressure. This condition is extremely dangerous and, if untreated, can lead to severe secondary toxicosis, severe swelling and kidney damage, and neurological disorders. Hypertension often leads to premature birth and increases the risk of death for the mother. It is in such cases that doctors recommend taking Nifedipine. On the other hand, this same drug is used to treat uterine hypertonicity.
How safe is nifedipine during pregnancy?
If you carefully study the instructions for the drug, you can see that pregnancy and breastfeeding are a group of contraindications. Despite this, the medicine is still used to eliminate pressure problems.
Many studies have proven that the drug is relatively safe, and its use in the second half of pregnancy does not pose any threat to the life of a woman or child. But in the first 16 weeks, Nifedipine is practically not used - today there is no confirmation that in the early stages the active substances of the drug do not affect the laying of organs and the development of the fetus.
In any case, it should be understood that only a doctor can prescribe "Nifedipine" - the instructions, doses, regimen and treatment regimen can be selected only by a specialist. In some cases, prolonged use of this medication can lead to the development of withdrawal syndrome, so stop taking the medicine gradually.
As for the side effects, they are rarely recorded, but still possible. These include nausea and diarrhea, urticaria, dizziness, problems with concentration, headaches. If you feel worse, you should immediately consult a doctor - you may have to change the drug.