Medicines and Products for Eclampsia

Medicines for eclampsia are given in hospital by an obstetric team. This is not a condition to treat at home with tablets or herbal products.

Preventing and treating seizures

Magnesium sulfate is the key medicine. It is given through a drip or injection to women with severe pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, and it greatly lowers the risk of repeat seizures. Doctors watch breathing, reflexes and urine output while it is given.

Lowering very high blood pressure

Medicines such as labetalol, nifedipine or hydralazine are used to bring severe blood pressure down safely. These are chosen by the team. Some blood pressure tablets are unsafe in pregnancy, so no one should take a leftover tablet or someone else's medicine.

Delivery

The baby and placenta must be delivered to cure the condition. The timing and method depend on the mother's and baby's condition. Steroid injections may be given to help the baby's lungs if delivery is early.

Prevention with medicine

• Low-dose aspirin may be prescribed from the second trimester for women at high risk. It must be started only on a doctor's advice.
• Calcium supplements are advised in places with low calcium intake.

What to avoid

• Do not take aspirin, calcium or any herbal product on your own.
• Do not use herbal or "natural" remedies for blood pressure in pregnancy.
• Do not give any medicine by mouth to a woman who is having a seizure.

Ayurvedic products. No Ayurvedic medicine is known to prevent or treat eclampsia. Some herbs are unsafe in pregnancy, so always ask your doctor before using one. Any supportive product must be an adjunct and never a replacement for hospital care.