Effect of nicardipine HCl on prematurely induced uterine activity in the pregnant rabbit.
The tocolytic and cardiovascular effects of intravenous nicardipine HCl, a calcium entry blocker, were studied in 20 pregnant rabbits. Premature uterine activity was induced by extraovular infusion of prostaglandin F2-alpha and three different nicardipine HCl dose schedules were tested. Significant dose-related inhibition of both electrical and mechanical uterine activity was observed. Treatment was also accompanied by a significant rise in pulse rate and a decrease in both diastolic and systolic blood pressure. It is concluded that nicardipine HCl is a potent tocolytic agent that deserves further evaluation for possible clinical use.
D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D009529:Nicardipine; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011674:Pulse / Q000187:drug effects; D011817:Rabbits; D013997:Time Factors; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000187:drug effects*; D014599:Uterus / Q000502:physiology
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D009529:Nicardipine; D009543:Nifedipine