A comparative study of ketorolac (Toradol) and magnesium sulfate for arrest of preterm labor.
BACKGROUND
We evaluated the efficacy and safety of ketorolac (Toradol).


METHODS
In this prospective trial, 88 women in confirmed preterm labor at < or =32 weeks' gestation were randomized to receive magnesium sulfate given as an initial 6 g intravenous bolus followed by continuous infusion therapy (2 to 6 g/hr) or intramuscularly administered ketorolac (60 mg loading dose) followed by 30 mg every 6 hours for a maximum of 24 hours.


RESULTS
The study groups were similar with respect to age, parity, cervical status, and gestational age on admission. Ketorolac was more rapid (2.71 hr+/-2.16) in the arrest of preterm labor than was magnesium sulfate (6.22 hr+/-5.65). No patient required discontinuance of either drug due to adverse effects. There was no difference in the incidence of neonatal complications between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
In gestations with preterm labor at <32 weeks, ketorolac appears to be an appropriate first-line tocolytic agent.
Schorr
S J
SJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216-4505, USA.
Ascarelli
M H
MH
Rust
O A
OA
Ross
E L
EL
Calfee
E L
EL
Perry
K G
KG
Morrison
J C
JC
D000328:Adult; D001724:Birth Weight; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D020911:Ketorolac Tromethamine; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015145:Tocolysis; D015149:Tocolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D014046:Tolmetin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015149:Tocolytic Agents; D020911:Ketorolac Tromethamine; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate; D014046:Tolmetin