Approach to treatment of eclamptic seizures

IV: intravenous; PE: phenytoin sodium equivalents.

* Refer to UpToDate content on treatment of hypertension in pregnancy.

¶ Most initial eclamptic seizures are self-limiting (lasting 1 to 2 minutes). Supportive care is provided and medication is administered to prevent recurrence.

Δ Refer to UpToDate content on eclampsia for information on management of patients with impaired renal function.

◊ The maintenance phase is given only if a patellar reflex is present (loss of deep tendon reflexes is the first manifestation of symptomatic hypermagnesemia), respirations are greater than 12 per minute, and urine output is >100 mL over four hours.