In a patient with severe preeclampsia, which medication should be administered to help lower blood pressure?

In the management of severe preeclampsia, the primary goal is to lower blood pressure to prevent complications such as stroke, liver failure, or placental abruption. Hydralazine is a first-line medication used for this purpose. It is a vasodilator that works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the blood vessels, leading to a decrease in systemic vascular resistance and a subsequent reduction in blood pressure.

This medication is particularly effective because it can be administered intravenously, allowing for rapid control of hypertension in acute settings, which is often necessary in cases of severe preeclampsia. Additionally, hydralazine is generally well-tolerated and can be given while also considering the safety of the fetus.

Other options, like enoxaparin, are anticoagulants and do not directly address blood pressure management. Losartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker, is contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential adverse effects on fetal kidney development. Furosemide, a diuretic, may be used in certain scenarios to manage fluid overload but is not indicated as a first-line treatment for hypertension in severe preeclampsia.

Administering hydralazine effectively targets the immediate need for blood pressure reduction in a patient with