Ritodrine (Yutopar)

Category:

  • Hormonal

Description:

  • Beta (b2) receptor agonist

Indications:

  • Management of preterm labor

Contraindications:

  • Prior to the 20th week of pregnancy

  • In conditions where the continuation of pregnancy may be harmful to mother or fetus, such as:

    • antepartum hemorrhage that demands immediate delivery

    • eclampsia

    • severe preeclampsia

    • interuterine fetal death

    • chorioamnionitis

    • maternal cardiac disease

    • pulmonary hypertension

    • maternal hyperthyroidism

    • uncontrolled maternal diabetes mellitus

  • Maternal conditions that would be adversely affected by ritodrine pharmacology, such as:

    • hypovolemia

    • cardiac arrythmias associated with tachycardia or digitalis intoxication

    • uncontrolled hypertension

    • pheochromocytoma

    • bronchial asthma already being treated with beta aganonists or steroids

Precautions:

  • Pregnancy category B

  • Transient cerebral ischemia has been associated in patients having migraine headaches

  • Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) may occur, thereby decreasing birth weights for gestational age

  • Be aware of cardiovascular effects if beta-agonists (decreased cardiac output, arrythmias, anginal pain)

  • May cause maternal pulmonary edema.

  • Lab abnormalities:

  • Elevates plasma insulin and glucose levels

  • Decreases plasma potassium levels

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

  • Maternal:

    • palpitations (33%)

    • tremor, nausea, vomiting, headache, erythema (10-15%)

    • nervousness, restlessness, anxiety (5-6%)

  • Fetal

    • hypoglycemia, ileus  

Dosage:

Administered by injection

  • Initial dose: 

    • 0.05mg/min, gradually increased by 0.05mg/min every 10 minutes until desired result is obtained

  • Effective dose generally between 0.15-0.35mg/min

 

 

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300 

Gynecology and Obstetrics CD-ROM
Volumes 1-6
2004 Edition
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Copyright 2004
All Rights Reserved