An eclamptic patient is being managed with the Pritchard regimen of magnesium sulfate. Which of the following correctly describes the maintenance therapy?

• A 4 g intravenously slow every 4 hours
• B 2 g intravenously every hour by continuous infusion
• C 10 g intramuscularly in alternate buttock every 6 hours
• D 5 g intramuscularly in alternate buttock every 4 hours ✓

Explanation

In the Pritchard regimen, widely followed in India, the loading dose is 4 g IV slowly plus 10 g IM (5 g deep in each buttock), giving 14 g initially. Maintenance is 5 g IM in alternate buttock every 4 hours, continued for 24 hours after the last seizure, provided the patellar reflex is present, respiration exceeds 12/min, and urine output is adequate. The 2 g/hour infusion describes the Zuspan intravenous regimen, not Pritchard.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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