Oxprenolol
What is it?
Oxprenolol is prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and some heart problems.
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). Some women will be taking oxprenolol before pregnancy. If so, it should be continued but reviewed at the earliest opportunity by your midwife, GP, cardiologist, or obstetrician.
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 and potentially unreliable numbers, and there may have been problems with the way the information was collected. Further research is therefore required to determine 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 also not shown that beta blockers cause birth defects, stillbirth or preterm birth. Women taking beta blockers may be more likely to have a small 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 has also contributed to the baby being small.
Occasionally, beta blockers used in late pregnancy can affect the baby for a short while after birth (for example, causing low blood sugar). The baby may require an extra day or two in hospital following birth to look out for any problems. If these occur, they can be easily 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 problems. You should let your midwife, GP and/or obstetrician know that you are taking oxprenolol so that it can be reviewed as soon as possible. If you have any questions about a medicine that you are offered in pregnancy you should 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 in pregnancy can develop into pre-eclampsia which can be serious. Heart problems can be dangerous to both mother and 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 continue oxprenolol then 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 about 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.