stupid procardia

artichoken

My doctor said I cannot take more than 10 mg every 8 hours. It's only been 3.5 and I'm already having contractions again! The nurse said "just relax and drink water"

Of yes like that's not what I have tried the weeks before you put me on procardia already *eye roll*

What do you girls do in between dosages?

haziedaze

I have contractions no matter what. I take 20mg about every 4 hours, sometimes I make it to 5. Not sure why you doctor was worried about more- are you on long acting? Was your Bp ok on it?

My contractions do space to every 8-10 mins right after a dose, but as time approaches for another dose they can be as close as every 2-3 mins. Despite this, my cervix hasn't budged. I think that may be thanks to the progesterone (17P). Other things that help are keeping my bladder as empty as possible, eating small amts throughout the day, and laying on my side. It sucks!

artichoken

haziedaze said:

I have contractions no matter what. I take 20mg about every 4 hours, sometimes I make it to 5. Not sure why you doctor was worried about more- are you on long acting? Was your Bp ok on it?

My contractions do space to every 8-10 mins right after a dose, but as time approaches for another dose they can be as close as every 2-3 mins. Despite this, my cervix hasn't budged. I think that may be thanks to the progesterone (17P). Other things that help are keeping my bladder as empty as possible, eating small amts throughout the day, and laying on my side. It sucks!

My blood pressure has been fine. I have no idea if it's long acting or not, but I was getting ctx's at 3.5 hours after taking it I really don't understand how they expect me to make it to 8 hrs. Lol

The only cervical changes I've had is my outer os is 2-3 and my inner is closed, but my cervix is soft to.

I have been told by a few friends to ask my doctor about progesterone shots as it has helped them.

artichoken

Also, do you get flushed on it?

artichoken

redaero said:

Hey there, I'm not on Procardia myself, but I'm a hospital prenatal RN and I give it to people all the time. I'm not sure why your doc is being quite that conservative. The OBs at my hospital frequently prescribe 10mg every 4 to 6 hours, depending on the situation. (I doubt you are on the long-acting one, those are usually 30 to 60mg.)

Do you run a low normal BP? We generally wait on a dose if blood pressure is below 90/50, since it can and often does drop your BP. Maybe that's why your doc only has you on it once every 8 hours?

Or maybe your doc was just hoping a low dose would be enough. If you're having frequent contractions 3.5 hours after taking it, I would call your doc's office and inform them. They may want to change your dosage or the frequency of it, based on how well it is or isn't working.

I have the occasional patient tell me they get headaches or feel kind of flushed/sweaty/hot a little while after taking it. Try lying down on your side for a while if that happens, it could mean that your BP is a bit low. Staying super hydrated is important for that reason also.

Good luck with everything! Hope you're doing well.

@redaero
Yes my bp runs normally 90/50's. I was rushed to l&d the other night for getting EXTREMELY dizzy with eye sensitivity to light on it. So now my doc pulled me off of it and I'm stuck with nothing since they are refusing progesterone shots booo

Xath

Maybe ask about the long acting Procardia? You can take up to 120mg of nifedipine in a 24 hour period while pregnant. I have both the 30mg long acting and the 10mg fast acting. Since this is my 2nd pregnancy with PTL, my OB is largely leaving my daily dosage to my discretion as long as I don't exceed 120mg/day. I try to just do 1 30mg, twice a day at this point. On my worst days this pregnancy, I've had to do 1 30mg every 8 hours and then up to 3 10mg/day as needed during periods of heavy contractions. The 10mg definitely have more BP side effects, so I understand your OB wanting to space them out, but maybe ask about the long release dosage?

How far along are you?

artichoken

@gertiebarden I am 29+2 and I will ask about the long lasting on Tuesday. Thank you

haziedaze

@artichoken so sorry! This is so frustrating. Are you have your cervical lengths monitored? I think they honestly don't know what to do with us irritable uterus ladies. My guess with the procardia is they are worried about all your side effects, esp. because the data suggests it doesn't actually prevent preterm labor. One encouraging thing is that you can definitely have a lot more contractions in subsequent pregnancies, so given this is your fourth baby maybe that's what they are thinking? Progesterone was proven effective in mom's with a h/o preterm labor and I think you have to start it before 20 weeks. Hoping you baby stays cooking a lot longer! Here to commiserate anytime!