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Antihypertensive(s)

Initial BP lowering medication

 

Drug

Initial dose

Titration frequency

Maximal dose

How supplied

Amlodipine*

0.1 mg/kg (up to 2.5 mg) once daily

Every 3-5 days

0.3 mg/kg (up to 10 mg) once daily

Tablet: 2.5, 5 and 10 mg

Liquid: 1 mg/mL

*Consider Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (e.g., lisinopril) if patient has concomitant diabetes mellitus


Rescue medications

 

Drug

Route

Dosage

Nifedipine immediate release

Oral

0.25 mg/kg (max 5 mg) every 4-6 hours for severe BP elevations^. May increase to 0.5 mg/kg (max 10 mg) if inadequate response to lower dose

 

Isradipine

 

Oral

0.1 mg/kg

Hydralazine

IV

0.1 mg/kg (up to 20 mg) every 4-6 hours for severe BP elevations^. May increase to 0.2 mg/kg (max 40 mg) if inadequate response to lower dose

^Severe BP elevation means a BP consistently ≥ 99th percentile

Consult Nephrology if ≥ 2 doses in 24 hours required to normalize BP

These pathways do not establish a standard of care to be followed in every case. It is recognized that each case is different, and those individuals involved in providing health care are expected to use their judgment in determining what is in the best interests of the patient based on the circumstances existing at the time. It is impossible to anticipate all possible situations that may exist and to prepare a pathway for each. Accordingly, these pathways should guide care with the understanding that departures from them may be required at times.