Taking Metoprolol While Pregnant

[happydays]

I previously was on Atenolol for arrythmia.  When I decided to try to get pregnant, by heart dr. switched me to Metoprolol.  Now, my OB says I should have stayed on Atenolol, because no studies have been done on Metoprolol.  I'm very concerned.  Any feedback?

[SCOTTYG]

DANG I WOULD SEE IF I COULD GET THE DOCTORS TO DISCUSS IT WITH EACHOTHER AND THEY SHOULD SINCE THEY BOTH ARE INVOLVED IN YOUR CARE.GOOD LUCK

[cdw]

Hi. I am a cardiac RN and years of experience with cardiac meds however, I have only had 1 pregnant woman in many yrs and her issue was a clotting disorder. Let me first state, I do not know your specific arrhythmia and these drugs mentioned may not be appropriate for you.  Any way, My understanding is atenolol is possibly associated with birth defects and providers tend to switch their pts to a differnet Rx. Metoprolol (lopressor) a wildly used RX is associated with mild neonatal hypotention(decrease blood pressure) and decrease heart rate. As it does to the patient taking the drug. The drug of choice is Methyldopa (labetalol) acoording to maternal-fetal medicine specialists (perinatologist) Also, all these rx are class "C" in safety for pregnancy.  However, the benefits of use of the rx could outweigh the possible risk. As you know, you need the drug inorder to not have life threatening arrhythmias!! Betablockers have been used for yrs an some studies have shown no adverse effects on pregnancy or fetus. I would speak with your cardiologist and a perinatologist and have them discuss the best Rx for your specific arrhythmia.  The drugs I discussed may not work for your arrhthmia. Again, this info is MY understanding only.  Wish you well....Good luck!

[happydays]

Thank you for the information.  I have an appointment with my EP next week.

[cdw]

Hi.  I just wanted to mention I was talking with my girlfriend yesterday and she mentioned that she was having to increase her atenolol. ( she takes it for nuerological issues) Anyway, she gave birth to a healthy baby girl last Oct while maintaining a does of 25mg/day during her entire pregnancy! She lives in Boston, after research and then spoking with a perinatologist over the phone she choose to continue the drug and not switching. Just thought might help ease your mind!! Good luck at your appt and let me know what happens!

[happydays]

Thanks for your additional comments.  My EP said that there haven't been many studies on either atenolol or metoprolol, but the studies that have been done show a slightly lower birth weight if you are taking the drug.  Metoprolol is slightly better in that area, but otherthan that they are safe.  What a relief!