Evaluation of the outcome two Antihypertensive drugs in the treatment of pregnancy hypertension

Abstract

Background:Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy complicates about 7-10% pregnancy. Various anti- hypertensives have been tried to control the pressure without much affecting the maternal and fetal health. Aim: To control the efficacy of Nimodipine and Nifedipine in control of blood pressure during pregnancy and to assess the effects of drug on maternal and fetal outcome.Materials and method: Eligible women are randomly assigned and treated with tablet Nimodipine 30 mg 8^th hourly (Group A) and Nifedipine 10mg 8^th hourly (Group B). Each group has 50 patients and further sub-divided as diastolic BP between 100-109 mm of Hg and 110 mm Hg and above. Relevant statistical analysis was applied and results wereinterpreted.Results: Both groups are comparable in terms of systolic and diastolic blood pressure control. Group A had minimal side effects like headache, flushing and hypotension for about 2%. Perinatal outcomes were comparable between the two groups with 96% carry home baby rate in Group A and 88% in group B, which are also comparable.Conclusion: Nimodipine is comparable with Nifedipine and can be used as an alternative drug in the treatment of hypertension in pregnancy as it is safe, effective and with minimal side effects.As it is more expensive than Nifedipine in country like India, Nifedipine continues to be the first line drug.

Keywords: Diastolic blood pressure; Nifedipine; Nimodipine