Algorithm for the initial management of acute pericarditis during pregnancy

NSAIDs: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

* Commonly used NSAID dosing regimens include:

• Aspirin 500 to 750 mg every eight hours
• Ibuprofen 600 to 800 mg every eight hours

NSAID dosing should be continued until asymptomatic, then tapered weekly.

¶ Unlike idiopathic acute pericarditis in non-pregnant patients, colchicine is not used in pregnant patients due to unknown adverse effects and concerns about teratogenicity.

Δ Typical glucocorticoid dosing regimen is prednisone 25 mg daily until asymptomatic (usually less than two to four weeks), then taper by 2.5 mg daily every two to four weeks.