Drug of choice for imminent eclampsia is
**Core Concept**
Magnesium sulfate is the preferred treatment for imminent eclampsia due to its ability to prevent seizures and control blood pressure without causing significant maternal or fetal toxicity.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Magnesium sulfate works by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine from nerve terminals, reducing neuromuscular excitability and preventing seizures. It also has a vasodilatory effect, which helps to control blood pressure. The ideal dosage of magnesium sulfate for eclampsia prevention and treatment is 4-5 grams given intravenously over 15-20 minutes, followed by a maintenance infusion of 1-2 grams per hour.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Magnesium sulfate is preferred over other anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepine due to its efficacy and safety profile in preventing seizures in eclampsia.
**Option B:** While diazepam can be used in the acute management of eclampsia, it is not the preferred treatment due to its potential for respiratory depression and neonatal sedation in the mother.
**Option C:** Nitroglycerin is not indicated for the treatment of eclampsia, as it can cause maternal hypotension and does not prevent seizures.
**Option D:** Phenobarbital is not the preferred treatment for eclampsia due to its potential for maternal and fetal toxicity, including respiratory depression and sedation.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember that magnesium sulfate is the only anticonvulsant that has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrent seizures in eclampsia, making it the drug of choice for imminent eclampsia.
**Correct Answer:** C. Nitroglycerin