A postpartum patient received terb and corticosteroids during labor. What potential drug interaction should be monitored?

In this scenario, monitoring for hyperglycemia is particularly important due to the administration of corticosteroids during labor. Corticosteroids have a well-documented effect on glucose metabolism, leading to increased insulin resistance and subsequent elevation of blood sugar levels. This risk is compounded when used in conjunction with medication such as terbutaline, which is a beta-agonist that can also cause hyperglycemia by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in the liver.

Corticosteroids facilitate increased blood glucose levels as they promote gluconeogenesis and have the potential to suppress insulin secretion. Thus, the combination of these medications can significantly increase the risk of hyperglycemia in postpartum patients, necessitating vigilant monitoring of blood glucose levels and appropriate management if they become elevated.

This knowledge underscores the importance of being aware of the synergistic effects of these medications on metabolic processes, particularly in the postpartum period when women may already be experiencing hormonal fluctuations that can affect glucose tolerance.