The national impact of ritodrine hydrochloride for inhibition of preterm labor

Article Abstract:

Early delivery of a fetus is a major cause of low birth weight (LBW), that is, weight less than 5.5 pounds (2,500 grams) at birth. Ritodrine hydrochloride is a drug that relaxes smooth muscle of the uterus to arrest preterm labor (tocolysis) and is currently the only drug approved by the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for the control of preterm labor. Preterm labor is defined as regular uterine contractions accompanied by dilatation of the cervical opening. Although a large volume of ritodrine is sold every year, one study in West Germany did not find a parallel decrease in the overall incidence of LBW. The influence of widespread ritodrine availability in the US on the incidence of LBW is discussed. The hospital pharmacy usage of ritodrine was estimated using the annual sales figures for 1983-1986. National statistics for LBW deliveries were obtained for birth weights weighing less than 5.5 pounds (2,500 grams) in 500 gram increments beginning at 1.1 pounds (500 grams). Although over 100,000 women with preterm labor are treated with ritodrine every year, the incidence of low birth weight in the US has not been reduced as a consequence. There is no evidence that ritodrine hydrochloride made any impact on the overall incidence of preterm infants weighing less than 5.5 pounds. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Birth weight, Low, Low birth weight, Premature labor

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Beta-adrenergic agonists for preterm labor

Article Abstract:

Beta-adrenergic agonists are a group of drugs that relax smooth muscle in the uterus and other parts of the body. Ritodrine, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Aug 1980, is a beta-adrenergic agonist that is used to treat women with preterm labor. It is meant to slow down or stop uterine contractions, and prevent premature birth. The risk of dying is much higher among infants born prematurely than among other infants. Ritodrine was tested during the 1970s by different researchers. Several found that it was effective in stopping preterm labor, and that it improved infant survival. Some researchers were still skeptical about the drug, and wanted more testing before FDA approval. A research study found that treatment with ritodrine did not increase infant survival among women with premature labor. The drug may also have harmful side effects that endanger the health of the mother.

Health aspects, Editorial, Labor (Obstetrics), Premature birth

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A comparison of magnesium sulfate with phenytoin for the prevention of eclampsia

Article Abstract:

Magnesium sulfate may be more effective than phenytoin in preventing eclampsia in pregnant women with hypertension. Eclampsia are seizures that occur during or around the time of childbirth and are associated with hypertension. Of 2138 hypertensive pregnant women admitted to hospital for delivery, 1089 received phenytoin and 1049 received magnesium sulfate. Phenytoin was given at an initial intravenous dose of 1000 milligrams/hour followed by an oral dose of 500 mg 10 hours later. Magnesium sulfate was injected into a muscle at a dose of 10 grams, followed by 5 gram doses every 4 hours. Ten of the phenytoin patients, but none of the magnesium sulfate patients had seizures. Side effects of the phenytoin included nausea, dizziness, and restlessness. Magnesium sulfate, rather than phenytoin, should be used to prevent seizures in hypertensive pregnant women.

Eclampsia, Magnesium sulfate, Phenytoin

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