Drug Categories in Pregnancy & Preterm Labor

Preterm Labor

Before 38th week

PROM

premature ruptured of membrane

PPROM

preterm, premature ruptured of membrane

Preterm Medication (IT’s Not My Time)

Indocin, Nifedipine, Magnesium Sulfate, Terbutaline

What color is Magnesium Sulfate labeled with?

red

What does Magnesium Sulfate do?

relaxes smooth muscles by lowering calcium levels

What is the antidote when the magnesium sulfate becomes toxic?

calcium gluconate

When monitoring a patient receiving magnesium sulfate, what is the bare minimum output the patient should be producing?

30mL per hour

What is the classification for magnesium sulfate?

Risk category A

What is the classification for terbutaline?

Risk category C

What is Terbutaline used for?

used to stop contractions and delay the labor process

What is the usual dose of Terbutaline?

0.25 mg

What is the maximum dose of terbutaline that should be received?

0.5 mg

What is a special consideration about smooth muscle?

Smooth muscle is one type of muscle that relaxes when someone is under stress

What is the classification of Nifedipine?

calcium channel blocker

What does Nifedipine do?

work by preventing calcium from moving into the muscle cells of the uterus, making it less able to contract

What is a consideration of Nifedipine?

if the patient has any heart defects or glucose problems→ stay away from this medication

What is the action for Indomethacin?

inhibits prostaglandins and relaxes smooth uterine muscle

When should Indomethacin be given?

before 32 weeks gestation

What happens if Indomethacin is given too late in pregnancy?

it can prematurely close the ductus arteriosus in the heart of the fetus and cause pulmonary hypertension

What is Betamethasone?

a corticosteroid, not a drug that will stop preterm labor

What is the action of betamethasone?

promotes fetal lung maturity by stimulating surfactant

What is a consideration of Betamethasone?

must assess lung sounds prior and post administration