Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the PLAB Test with interactive quizzes and comprehensive study materials. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and detailed explanations. Start studying today!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


Which drug is considered the first-line antihypertensive in pregnancy?

  1. Atenolol

  2. Labetalol

  3. Hydrochlorothiazide

  4. Enalapril

The correct answer is: Labetalol

Labetalol is recognized as the first-line antihypertensive in pregnancy due to its effectiveness in managing hypertension while minimizing risks to both the mother and the fetus. It is a combined alpha and beta-adrenergic blocker, which allows for a more balanced reduction in blood pressure without significant adverse effects. Clinical guidelines suggest that it can safely be administered during pregnancy, making it the preferred choice. In contrast, atenolol is a selective beta-blocker that has been associated with potential risks, including intrauterine growth restriction. Hydrochlorothiazide, while sometimes used, is not the primary choice due to limited evidence of efficacy and safety in pregnancy. Enalapril, an ACE inhibitor, is contraindicated during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, as it poses risks such as fetal renal complications and oligohydramnios. Thus, labetalol stands out as the safest and most effective option for treating hypertension in pregnant patients.