Which medication is indicated for chronic hypertension in pregnant patients?

Which medication is indicated for chronic hypertension in pregnant patients?

• A. Propranolol
• B. Magnesium sulfate
• C. Methyldopa
• D. Hydralazine

Answer: (C)

The indicated medication for chronic hypertension in pregnant patients is methyldopa. This is because methyldopa is considered a first-line treatment for managing chronic hypertension during pregnancy due to its favorable safety profile and extensive history of use in this population. It works by stimulating central alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, which results in decreased sympathetic outflow and lowered blood pressure without significantly impacting placental blood flow or fetal development. In contrast, other options such as propranolol are typically not first-line choices for managing hypertension in pregnancy due to concerns about potential adverse effects on the fetus. Magnesium sulfate is primarily used to prevent seizures in women with severe gestational hypertension or preeclampsia and does not directly address chronic hypertension. Hydralazine, while also used to treat hypertension, is generally reserved for acute scenarios or severe cases rather than as a first-line option for chronic hypertension management. This establishes methyldopa as the appropriate choice for treating chronic hypertension in pregnant patients.

The indicated medication for chronic hypertension in pregnant patients is methyldopa. This is because methyldopa is considered a first-line treatment for managing chronic hypertension during pregnancy due to its favorable safety profile and extensive history of use in this population. It works by stimulating central alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, which results in decreased sympathetic outflow and lowered blood pressure without significantly impacting placental blood flow or fetal development.

In contrast, other options such as propranolol are typically not first-line choices for managing hypertension in pregnancy due to concerns about potential adverse effects on the fetus. Magnesium sulfate is primarily used to prevent seizures in women with severe gestational hypertension or preeclampsia and does not directly address chronic hypertension. Hydralazine, while also used to treat hypertension, is generally reserved for acute scenarios or severe cases rather than as a first-line option for chronic hypertension management. This establishes methyldopa as the appropriate choice for treating chronic hypertension in pregnant patients.