Table 7.

Antihypertensive drugs contraindicated in pregnancy or to be used with caution

ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II antagonists (ARBs)	Use of these drugs may induce fetal abnormalities and death. Therefore, these drugs should not be used in pregnancy
Diuretics	Diuretics are recommended for pre-existing hypertension if prescribed before gestation or if patients appear to be salt-sensitive. They are not recommended in pre-eclampsia
Direct vasodilators	Hydralazine is no longer the parenteral drug of choice because of its perinatal adverse effects
Beta-blockers	Beta-blockers appear to be safe and effective in late pregnancy; they should be avoided in early pregnancy due to potentially causing fetal growth retardation. The type and dose of beta-blockers should be carefully selected, with atenolol avoided