Albuterol pregnancy category
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Albuterol Pregnancy Category: Safety and Usage Insights
Introduction to Albuterol and Pregnancy
Albuterol, commonly known by its brand name Proventil, is a medication frequently used to manage asthma symptoms. Its safety during pregnancy is a critical concern for expectant mothers who rely on it for respiratory relief. This article synthesizes research findings on the effects and safety of albuterol use during pregnancy.
Short-term Effects of Inhaled Albuterol on Maternal and Fetal Circulations
A study examining the short-term circulatory effects of inhaled albuterol on pregnant women between 33 and 39 weeks' gestation found that the medication did not significantly impact maternal blood pressures, heart rates, or fetal heart rates and aortic velocities within the first two hours after dosing. This suggests that albuterol, when used at the maximum recommended dose, does not pose immediate circulatory risks to either the mother or the fetus.
Agreement Between Maternal Report and Medical Records
Research on the agreement between maternal self-reports and medical records for medication use during pregnancy, including albuterol, indicates that albuterol was the most frequently reported asthma medication, used by 77.9% of the participants. However, the study found a moderate agreement (kappa coefficient of 0.21) between maternal reports and medical records for albuterol use, with a 64.5% agreement rate. This discrepancy highlights the challenges in accurately capturing medication use data, which is crucial for assessing the safety and impact of albuterol during pregnancy.
Conclusion
The available research suggests that inhaled albuterol does not have significant short-term adverse effects on maternal or fetal circulations when used at recommended doses. However, discrepancies between maternal reports and medical records indicate a need for more reliable data collection methods to better understand the long-term safety and efficacy of albuterol during pregnancy. Expectant mothers should consult their healthcare providers to ensure the safe use of albuterol and other medications during pregnancy.
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