No abstract

Beta-adrenergic antagonists are one of the most commonly used class of agents in the treatment of hypertension. They have also demonstrated utility in the treatment of angina pectoris and certain arrhythmias and for the reduction in mortality following a myocardial infarction. The use of this class of agents creates the potential for beta-blocker exposure among lactating women. This review focuses on the most up-to-date data regarding the more common agents--metoprolol, atenolol, propranolol, carvedilol, nadolol, sotalol, and betaxolol--and their safety in lactating women.

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are commonly used for the treatment of hypertension. ACEIs have been promoted as first-line therapy for selected patients with chronic hypertension and for the prevention of diabetic nephropathy, thus creating the potential for frequent ACEI exposure among women of childbearing age. ARBs are the most recent addition to the available options for antihypertensive agents. This review specifically focuses on the most up-to-date information regarding these newer antihypertensives with regard to lactation.

Capturing the best practices in an academic and pharmaceutical industry drug information center, and in turn, incorporating them into improved methodical work procedures and current services, is a goal for most drug information centers. The best practices should represent the most efficient and productive means of providing drug information. Knowing this information helps to improve workflow, decrease costs, increase overall productivity and projiciency, and improve employee and customer satisfaction. In order to critically evaluate the current situation and fully comprehend the established practice standards, an evaluation survey was conducted. Two separate surveys were sent electronically or fared to both academic and industry drug information departments. The survey focused on utilization of the drug information center within the department, practice procedures and resources utilized in answering drug information requests, training and evaluation of employees, means of providing quality assurance, and technical and operational logistics. A description and results of this survey are described.

Approximately 14% of women of age 20-54 years old have hypertension. For those women who are on medication for hypertension and are pregnant, this poses potential problems. In many cases, antihypertensive agents may be continued in women with chronic hypertension if taken prior to pregnancy. This article discusses the antihypertensive class, calcium channel antagonists, with regard to their physiochemical properties and lactation.