Ritodrine and terbutaline compared for the treatment of preterm labor

Abstract

A prospective study comparing intravenous ritodrine and terbutaline was initiated to assess the efficacy of each drug in arresting preterm labor. Delivery was delayed for 25.8 days in patients treated with terbutaline and 13.0 days in patients treated with ritodrine. Patients treated with terbutaline gave birth to infants with a mean birthweight of 2 588 grams and 60% achieved a gestation of 36 weeks. Patients treated with ritodrine gave birth to infants with a mean birthweight of 2 392 grams and 39% achieved a gestation of 36 weeks. From this study it is evident that parturition was more effectively delayed in women treated with terbutaline than in a similar group of women treated with ritodrine.