The relaxing effect of terbutaline on the human uterus during term labor.
The uterine and cardiovascular responses to the adrenergic beta2-receptor stimulator terbutaline (TRB) were investigated in 14 patients in normal term labor. TRB, administered intravenously at a rate of 10 to 20 mug per minute, effectively inhibited uterine activity in advanced labor and also expulsion. Intravenous injection of TRB, 250 mug, diminished oxytocin-induced uterine hyperactivity. No serious side effects of the drug were observed; the circulatory effects were minimal, except for a tolerable maternal tachycardia. The mode of action and clinical application of TRB for inhibition of unwanted uterine activity are discussed.
D000033:Abortion, Threatened / Q000517:prevention & control; D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000187:drug effects*; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000517:prevention & control; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D011247:Pregnancy; D011433:Propranolol / Q000494:pharmacology; D011674:Pulse / Q000187:drug effects; D013726:Terbutaline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014599:Uterus / Q000187:drug effects*
D010121:Oxytocin; D011433:Propranolol; D013726:Terbutaline