Oxprenolol
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Oxprenolol can be used in pregnancy if recommended by a doctor.
What is it?
Oxprenolol is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and some heart conditions.
Benefits
What are the benefits of taking oxprenolol in pregnancy?
Oxprenolol reduces the risks of harm from high blood pressure and heart conditions, including angina and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). This is important as these conditions can get worse during pregnancy and may lead to complications.
Some women will already be taking oxprenolol before pregnancy. If so, it should be continued but reviewed as soon as possible by a GP or specialist.
Risks
Are there any risks of taking oxprenolol during pregnancy?
Very few pregnant women specifically taking oxprenolol have been studied. Although one study found a possible link between oxprenolol exposure in early pregnancy and cleft lip and palate in the baby, this was based on small numbers and there may have been problems with the way the information was collected. Further research is therefore required to find out if there is any link. No other concerns were raised about oxprenolol use.
Oxprenolol belongs to a family of medicines called beta blockers. Studies have shown that beta blockers do not cause birth defects, stillbirth or preterm birth. Women taking beta blockers may be more likely to have a smaller baby. However, a small baby can be due to underlying health conditions that beta blockers are commonly used to treat, like high blood pressure. It is therefore difficult to know if a beta blocker could affect your baby’s weight.
Occasionally, beta blockers used in late pregnancy can affect your baby for a short while after birth (for example, causing low blood sugar). Your baby may require an extra day or two in hospital following birth to look out for any problems. If these occur, they can be treated and usually settle quickly.
Alternatives
Are there any alternatives to taking oxprenolol?
Possibly. Other medicines can be used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions. You should let your GP and/or obstetrician know that you are taking oxprenolol so that they can make sure it is still right for you. If you have any questions about a medicine that you are offered in pregnancy you can discuss them with your doctor or midwife.
No treatment
What if I prefer not to take medicines during pregnancy?
It is very important to take any medicines prescribed for high blood pressure or heart problems. High blood pressure can lead to a potentially serious condition called pre-eclampsia. Heart problems can be dangerous to both you and your baby and must be as well-controlled as possible.
Your doctor will only prescribe medicines when absolutely necessary and will be happy to talk to you about any concerns that you might have.
Please do not stop oxprenolol without speaking to your midwife, GP, cardiologist, or obstetrician.
Will my baby need extra monitoring?
You will be offered a detailed scan at around 20 weeks of pregnancy as part of your routine antenatal care. If you take a beta blocker in pregnancy, you may be offered additional scans at around 32 and 36 weeks to check that your baby is growing normally.
Are there any risks to my baby if the father has taken oxprenolol?
We would not expect any increased risk to your baby if the father takes oxprenolol.
Who can I talk to if I have questions?
If you have any questions regarding the information in this leaflet, please discuss them with your health care provider. They can access more detailed medical and scientific information from www.uktis.org.