The use of calcium-channel blockers in pregnancy

Over the past 10 yrs, calcium-channel blockers have been used in obstetrics and gynecology for the treatment of patients with both gestational hypertension and preterm labor. Several randomized trials have been performed which demonstrated that calcium-channel blockers are at least as efficacious as other, better-known antihypertensive agents. Despite animal studies which have shown unfavorable outcomes with the use of some of these agents, the use of calcium-channel blockers in pregnancy has been increasing. As we gain further information on the correlation between calcium homeostasis and several additional disease states, the role of calcium-channel blockers will become further elucidated.