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Calcium channel antagonists and lactation: an update.
M E Shannon1, S E Malecha, A J Cha
1Searle Pharmaceuticals, Skokie, Illinois, USA.
Summary
Approximately 14% of women aged 20-54 have hypertension. This article reviews calcium channel antagonists, a class of antihypertensive medications, focusing on their properties during pregnancy and lactation.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Obstetrics
- Cardiology
Background:
- Hypertension affects 14% of women aged 20-54.
- Managing hypertension during pregnancy requires careful consideration of medication safety.
- Antihypertensive agents taken prior to pregnancy can often be continued.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss calcium channel antagonists, a class of antihypertensive drugs.
- To review the physiochemical properties of calcium channel antagonists.
- To evaluate the safety and implications of calcium channel antagonists during lactation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of calcium channel antagonists.
- Analysis of physiochemical properties relevant to pregnancy and lactation.
- Synthesis of existing data on antihypertensive medication use in pregnant and lactating women.
Main Results:
- Calcium channel antagonists are a significant class of antihypertensive agents.
- Their physiochemical properties influence their use during pregnancy and lactation.
- Continued use of certain antihypertensive medications may be feasible for pregnant women.
Conclusions:
- Calcium channel antagonists require careful consideration for use in pregnant and lactating women.
- Understanding their properties is crucial for managing hypertension in this population.
- Further research may be needed to fully elucidate safety profiles during lactation.