Toxemia of pregnancy, more commonly known as pre-eclampsia or pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), is a serious complication of pregnancy that occurs in 3 to 7 percent of pregnant women, the Merck Manual states. Preeclampsia causes elevated blood pressure, protein in the urine and swelling of the hands, feet and face from fluid retention. Seizures occur in one out of 200 women with toxemia; toxemia with seizures is called eclampsia. Medications used to treat toxemia treat the symptoms; the only cure for toxemia of pregnancy is delivery.
Antihypertensives
Elevated blood pressure commonly complicates preeclampsia. Treatment with antihypertensive medications such as hydralazine or labetelol may be given intravenously if diastolic blood pressure is more than 110, the University of New Mexico reports. Blood pressure should not drop below 90 diastolic or the uterine blood flow may be reduced. Calcium channel blockers and diazoxide may also be used to treat high blood pressure.
Magnesium Sulfate
Magnesium sulfate, a medication with anti-convulsive, mild anti-hypertensive and mild diuretic properties, is extensively used to treat preeclampsia, according to Military Obstetrics and Gynecology. Magensium sulfate is given intravenously, intramuscularly or a combination of the two. Because the toxicity level of magnesium sulfate and the therapeutic level are close, women on the medication must be closely monitored for signs of respiratory depression. Patellar, or kneecap, reflexes are checked frequently for signs of depression.
Magnesium is eliminated by the kidneys, which often don't function well in preeclampsia, leading to toxic magnesium accumulation. Calcium gluconate is given as an antidote to high magnesium levels and should be kept at hand. The drug should be continued for 24 hours after delivery.
Anticonvulsants
Seizures may occur even in women receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. If seizures occur in women already taking magnesium sulfate, anticonvulsants such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and amobarbitol (Amytal) may be given intravenously, says Dr. Eric Rose of the University of Washington. Intravenous diazepam (Valium) may also be given.
Other Medications
Other drugs used in some cases of toxemia of pregnancy include lorazepam (Atavan), an anti-anxiety drug. Corticosteroids are used in severe cases to improve liver and platelet function, which can be damaged by severe disease, the Mayo Clinic reports. Corticosteroids also help mature the fetal lungs if delivery is premature.
