[Nifedipine in gynecology and obstetrics]

Nifedipine has both vasodilator and relaxant actions in arterial smooth muscle and other tissues, like uterus. The goal of this review is describe the potential uses of this calcium antagonist in two clinical features in pregnancy. First, in premature labor, nifedipine is an appropriate alternative related with beta-mimetic or prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors agents, with good tocolytic properties and safe for both mother and baby. Second, in the treatment of hypertension in pregnancy or preeclampsia, where, according literature, nifedipine would be a valuable therapeutic gun. It is exposed the nifedipine advantages and disadvantages in pregnancy found by the authors from the reports reviewed here. It is analyzed the ethics of nifedipine use in pregnancy. Moreover, it is pointed out the nifedipine clinical usefulness in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea and it is analyzed some nifedipine hemodynamic aspects on uterine blood flow.