Procardia Users Come In!

JKTTC1

I had PTL last time with DS1 and now I've got it again with this pregnancy. I've been having contractions and ultrasounds for cervical length every 3 weeks. Today's ultrasound showed funneling. I was prescribed Procardia (I took Terbutaline last time) and will start it every 6 hours. I'm worried because my blood pressure is already low at 90s/50s and I've heard this can bottom it out. Any advice?

At 34 weeks doctor will start Steriod shots for LO.

haylo33

I just started it yesterday but only as needed. The directions said it may cause dizziness, which is probably due to a drop in BP. I wouldn't worry unless you get dizzy. I'm a nurse on a cardiac floor and procardia is usually used for chest pain so I see it a lot. The cardiologists actually like a lower BP as long as there aren't any symptoms. 120/80 is the highest before it is technically high BP so the parameters are changing.

Xath

I'm on Procardia again too, after PTL at 24 weeks and a history of it with my daughter. My OB says they don't do terbutaline anymore because of the association with fetal heart issues. With the Procardia, I find that the rapid acting 10mg affects my BP more drastically than the long release 30mg, so I stick with the 30 when I can. Which type are you on?

I'm getting my steroid shots next week. I've never had them before so if you have any insight I'd appreciate it.

JKTTC1

I never had the shots with DS1. He was born at 38 weeks. I have the 10mg and was told to take it consistently every 6 hours and 4 if needed. I had contractions thru the terbutaline last time so they may continue unless this medicine is a lot better!

artichoken

I was just taken off of it last night for fainting on it from the extreme dizziness. I normally run 90/50 as well.

jjh471

I was given it in the hospital for ptl. It made my heart rate go crazy but my blood pressure never changed. They took me off of it bc they couldn't get my heart rate under control when I was on it which was scary. I'm just on bed rest now, which has really helped the contractions. Good luck. I hated being on it and that was only for one day, every 4 hours.

jjh471

gertiebarden said:

I'm on Procardia again too, after PTL at 24 weeks and a history of it with my daughter. My OB says they don't do terbutaline anymore because of the association with fetal heart issues. With the Procardia, I find that the rapid acting 10mg affects my BP more drastically than the long release 30mg, so I stick with the 30 when I can. Which type are you on?

I'm getting my steroid shots next week. I've never had them before so if you have any insight I'd appreciate it.

I had two rounds of steroid shots at the hospital, they are in the butt. Totally painless just a pinch. I had no issue with them.

JKTTC1

Just started my medicine and my heart is racing like crazy. It's currently 121. Normal?

artichoken

@jkttc1 I would call your doctor. Only a small percentage of people with get tachycardia with it.