title: Nifedipine versus ritodrine for suppressing preterm labor.
abstract: Fifty-eight women in preterm labor were selected randomly to receive either oral nifedipine or intravenous ritodrine hydrochloride. In comparison to ritodrine, nifedipine had similar tocolytic efficacy with fewer adverse maternal and fetal side effects. On Doppler studies nifedipine had an insignificant effect on umbilical blood flow. Preliminary data suggest that nifedipine is a safe, effective and well-tolerated tocolytic agent. It may prove to be a suitable alternative to ritodrine hydrochloride, especially for women in whom beta-sympathomimetics are contraindicated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: W R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: H W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Randall
authors.forename: W L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Graves
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012312:Ritodrine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D012312:Ritodrine; D009543:Nifedipine