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Common Drugs to Stop Labor
The following is a list of drugs that have been used in attempts to stop labor. Please note that only Ritodrine has been approved by the FDA for this purpose.
The others are being used "off-label", based upon varying amounts of
research of varying quality. For potential side effects, I would
suggest that you ask a pharmamcist for a copy of the package insert.
Pharmacists can be extremely helpful in
situations where you have questions about drug use and interactions.
| DRUG | Labelled Use | Comments |
Ethyl Alcohol
(Vodka, etc) | topical antiseptic
CNS depressant | rarely used anymore
causes intoxication |
Beta Agonists 1
(Terbutaline, ritodrine, isoxuprine) | asthma | most commonly used
tocolytics in USA |
| Magnesium Sulfate 2 | magnesium deficiency | also given for PIH |
Nifedipine 3
(Procardia) | hypertension, angina, arrythmia | other Ca channel
blockers are also used |
Indomethacin 4
(indocin) | inflammatory conditions
like gout, arthritis | also used to close
PDA in premies |
Notes
1. These drugs increase heart rate, lower blood pressure, increase
blood sugar, may cause cardiac arrythmias and contribute to the
development of pulmonary edema, especially when given with steroids
or high volume IV fluids.
2. Causes generalized muscle relaxation, is given IV in hospital
setting, some unorthodox practitioners give po as epsom salts or
milk of magnesia. Drops blood pressure, makes
mom feel really weak and yuckky. May contribute to pulmonary edema
especially when combined with othe drugs or lots of IV fluids. May
cause cardiac arrythmias.
3. It is probably a little safer than ritodrine, but carries similar
risks, including decreased placental perfusion.
4. This drug is a potent anti-prostaglandin, which probably accounts
for its tocolytic effect. (Aspirin is also an anti-prostaglandin).
Copyright © 1997, 1998 by Childbirth.org All rights reserved.
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