Effectiveness of Oral Nifedipine Versus Intravenous Labetalol in Controlling Hypertension in Severe Preeclampsia: A Comparative Study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study aimed to study and compare the efficacy and side effects between oral nifedipine and intravenous labetalol in controlling hypertension in acute cases of severe preeclampsia. Methods: A prospective comparative study of pregnant patients with blood pressure >160/110 mm Hg after 20 weeks of gestation was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of MGM Medical College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai, India, over a period of one and a half years from August 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023. A total of 100 cases were studied, 50 receiving oral nifedipine and the other 50 receiving intravenous labetalol. RESULTS: Though intravenous labetalol and oral nifedipine both are equally efficacious first-line anti-hypertensive drugs, oral nifedipine was observed to have a quicker onset of action, with a lesser number of doses required to reach the target blood pressure, with a convenient route of administration. Thus, it can be preferred in settings where intravenous access is challenging, remote or low-resource settings, or patients who prefer oral medication. Additionally, nifedipine works as a uterine relaxant, shown to increase urine output, has no effect on pulmonary vasculature, has fewer side effects, and costs 0.5% of the overall cost for intravenous labetalol. CONCLUSION: Oral nifedipine could be a better choice between the two for treating hypertensive emergencies; however, the decision should be individualized, considering patient-specific factors, clinical setting, and resource availability.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.85899
Authors: Maitri S Shah, Manvi Verma, Sushil Kumar, Himani Jivani
Language: English
Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411255253