Tekturna HCT and Pregnancy (Cont.)

Tekturna HCT, Pregnancy, and the Renin-Angiotensin System

Many blood pressure medications, including Tekturna HCT, work by acting on the renin-angiotensin system. Such medications should be avoided during pregnancy in almost all situations, as they have been shown to cause serious problems. Other medications that work on the renin-angiotensin system, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), have been shown to cause problems such as:
 
  • Low blood pressure in the fetus or newborn
  • Skull problems
  • Severe kidney problems
  • Fetal and newborn death.
     
These problems were seen when such medications were used in the second or third trimester. Other problems (such as birth defects) have been reported when these medications were used in the first trimester.
 
Medications that work on the renin-angiotensin system should never be used during pregnancy, unless they are necessary to save the mother's life and no other alternatives are available.
 

Tekturna HCT and Pregnancy: Final Thoughts

If you are a woman of childbearing age, it is important that you use adequate birth control while taking Tekturna HCT. If you discover that you are pregnant while taking the drug, contact your healthcare provider immediately. In most cases, your healthcare provider will advise that you stop taking Tekturna HCT and will recommend frequent monitoring to check on the development of the fetus.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;