What medication is used in pregnant women infected with Hepatitis B to reduce transmission risk?

The use of Tenofovir in pregnant women infected with Hepatitis B is recommended to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of the virus. In cases where the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is highly replicative, antiviral therapy with Tenofovir can lower the viral load, greatly decreasing the likelihood of transmission during childbirth.

Tenofovir is an antiviral drug that is effective in suppressing viral replication, and its use is considered safe during pregnancy. Starting therapy in the third trimester can further decrease viral load to undetectable levels, minimizing the chances of vertical transmission during delivery.

Ribavirin is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its teratogenic effects, making it unsuitable for use in this population. Methergine is not indicated for the management of viral infections but is used for uterine atony in the postpartum setting. Ipreferon is not a recognized antiviral medication for hepatitis B and does not have an established role in managing infections in pregnant women.

Thus, Tenofovir's efficacy in suppressing hepatitis B viral replication and its safety profile during pregnancy make it the appropriate choice for reducing transmission risk.