[Tocolysis with calcium-channel-blockers].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the use of calcium-channel-blockers (CCBs) for tocolysis.


METHODS
We reviewed the literature retrieved from the Medline database from 1967 to 200 dealing with fetal toxicity and efficacy of CCBs compared with beta-adrenergic agonists.


RESULTS
Data on fetal toxicity in animals were inconsistent. A teratologic effect has been observed during early pregnancy at supratherapeutic dosage. At usual therapeutic dosage, no fetal abnormalities have been observed. The efficacy of CBs for tocolysis is superior to that of beta-adrenergic drugs and allows a reduction of neonatal morbidity. Calcium channel blockers are better tolerated than beta-adrenergic agonists.


CONCLUSIONS
Published data suggest that CCBs could be used a first line tocolytic agents. Although use of CCBs is extremely simple, they should not be prescribed in low-risk outpatients.
Tsatsaris
V
V
Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, 184, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine, 75012 Paris.
Carbonne
B
B
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016239:MEDLINE; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D015145:Tocolysis; D015149:Tocolytic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D015149:Tocolytic Agents; D009543:Nifedipine