Obstetrics & Gynaecology · Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy (Pre-eclampsia, Eclampsia)

According to the Pritchard regimen used for eclampsia, what is the total intramuscular plus intravenous loading dose of magnesium sulfate?

  • A 4 g IV alone
  • B 6 g IV alone
  • C 10 g IM alone
  • D 14 g (4 g IV slowly plus 5 g deep IM in each buttock)
Correct answer: D. 14 g (4 g IV slowly plus 5 g deep IM in each buttock)

Explanation

The Pritchard regimen, the standard in Indian practice, gives 4 g of 20% magnesium sulfate IV over 5 minutes plus 10 g of 50% solution as 5 g deep intramuscular injections in each buttock, a total loading dose of 14 g. Maintenance is 5 g IM in alternate buttocks every 4 hours provided the patellar reflex is present, respiration exceeds 16 per minute, and urine output is adequate. The purely intravenous regimens listed are variants of the Zuspan style schedule, not Pritchard.

Reference: DC Dutta's Textbook of Obstetrics, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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