A 35-year-old woman with chronic hypertension plans pregnancy. Her current medication is atenolol. Which antihypertensive should be avoided because it crosses the placenta and is associated with fetal growth restriction, neonatal bradycardia, and hypoglycemia?
- A Labetalol
- B Nifedipine
- C Atenolol ✓
- D Methyldopa
Correct answer: C. Atenolol
Explanation
Atenolol readily crosses the placenta and is linked to intrauterine growth restriction, neonatal bradycardia, and hypoglycemia. Labetalol, nifedipine, and methyldopa are considered safe in pregnancy. Current guidelines recommend switching atenolol to a safer agent before conception.
Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.