A 28-year-old primigravida at 34 weeks gestation with severe preeclampsia has a blood pressure of 170/115 mmHg. She requires acute blood pressure reduction. Which drug is recommended as first-line?
- A Intravenous nitroglycerin
- B Intravenous sodium nitroprusside
- C Intravenous labetalol ✓
- D Oral captopril
Correct answer: C. Intravenous labetalol
Explanation
Intravenous labetalol is first-line for severe hypertension in pregnancy because it is effective and safe for the fetus. Sodium nitroprusside is avoided due to risk of fetal cyanide toxicity. Nitroglycerin can reduce placental perfusion. Captopril is contraindicated in pregnancy because of fetal renal malformations. Indian and international guidelines endorse labetalol as the preferred agent.
Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.