Is usingPropranololsafeduringpregnancy?
To control certain health features likeblood pressureandirregular heartbeat, specific medications are necessary. Although these medications are vital for health, their use during pregnancymust be monitored by a doctor, and one of these medications is Propranolol.In this section of pregnancy and newbornSelMagz
will inform you whether using Propranolol during pregnancy is dangerous, what its side effects are, and what dosage should be followed to prevent side effects.What is Propranolol?Propranolol is a type of beta-blocker used to treat
high blood pressure
,anxiety, andmigraines.It is also used for:treating irregular heartbeatpreventing
- heart attacks
- andstrokes,preventingchest pain
- due to angina.This medication also helps reduce symptoms caused byoveractive thyroid.
- This drug is generally available in tablet, capsule, and syrup forms.Is using Propranolol during pregnancy safe?The FDA classifies Propranolol as “Pregnancy Category C”, meaning studies on animals have shown negative effects on
the fetus
and no studies have been observed without negative results.
While high blood pressure and heart problems can jeopardize pregnancy, using medications that could harm your baby is not a good idea, and since existing studies indicate negative effects of Propranolol on a developing fetus, using this drug during pregnancy is only permitted if its potential benefits outweigh the associated risks.What effects will Propranolol have on pregnant women?Studies on animals indicate that using Propranolol during pregnancy can lead to
weight loss
and reduced fetal size, which in humans can be interpreted as an increase in uterine muscle volume and unstable blood flow.
Mothers who took Propranolol during childbirth exhibited symptoms such as lower heart rates and reduced breathing rates, and it is advisable to consult with your doctor regarding safer alternatives to Propranolol.Recommended dosage of PropranololThe FDA recommends the following dosages for various conditions. However, your treating doctor will determine your dosage based on your health status.
The recommended dose for people with high blood pressure is 40 mg taken twice a day, and it is unclear if this will cause side effects during pregnancy.
Although the FDA recommends a dosage of 80 to 320 mg for people with angina, studies show that doses over 160 mg may lead to side effects for the fetus, so professional consultation is needed.
1 to 30 mg, three or four times a day for atrial fibrillation
- The initial dose for myocardial infarction is 40 mg, which can be increased to 60 to 80 mg after one month.
- The initial dosage for migraines is 80 mg, but the effective dosage range is between 160 to 240 mg daily, of course, physician consultation is essential.
- **Both prescribed doses and in other cases can lead to some side effects for patients taking Propranolol.
- Side effects of Propranolol during pregnancy
- Side effects of Propranolol on mothers include:
If a mother has to take Propranolol, she may experience low heart rate, low blood pressure,
dizziness
and blurred vision.
- Common side effects include fatigue, weakness, coldness, sleep issues, irregular heartbeat, Raynaud’s syndrome, and nightmares.If a woman takes Propranolol during pregnancy and experiences any of these symptoms, she should stop taking the medication and consult a doctor.Some frequently asked questions about
- Propranolol during pregnancy
Now, let’s address several questions regarding the use of Propranolol during pregnancy.
1. Is it okay to occasionally take Propranolol during pregnancy?Do not take this medication occasionally because stopping abruptly can lead to issues, such as sweating, shaking, worsening angina, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, or even death if taken intermittently for more than 10 to 14 days.
As emphasized in previous articles about pregnancy care on SelMagz, it is also necessary to continuously take blood pressure and anxiety medications for a specific period; therefore, always consult your doctor before starting or stopping any medication.
2. What if I’ve taken Propranolol during pregnancy before?
If you are currently pregnant and have taken this medication, you should not stop it suddenly; it is best to see a doctor to make the best decision for you.
3. Can Propranolol cause a miscarriage?
Studies conducted so far have not shown miscarriage as a side effect of this medication, and thus the lack of well-controlled studies makes it difficult to determine whether Propranolol causes miscarriage.
4. Could taking Propranolol during pregnancy lead to premature labor?
Studies conducted on this matter suggest that using this medication may cause
premature labor.
5. Can taking Propranolol during pregnancy lead to birth defects in the baby?
According to an article published in the Pediatrics Journal, babies whose mothers took Propranolol during pregnancy experienced placental insufficiency,fetal growth restriction,delayed
growth in the womb,
depressionin newborns, etc.Therefore, as always, SelMagz recommends that you always consult your doctor regarding any issues during pregnancy and follow their advice, avoiding self-medication as it can be dangerous.Propranolol in PregnancyPropranolol for Irregular Heartbeat
Taking Propranolol during Pregnancy
