About ritodrine hydrochloride
Beta-2 adrenergic agonist tocolytic
Used for
- Short-term treatment of threatened preterm labor to delay delivery.
Usual adult dose
Specialist-supervised intravenous infusion, often started at 50 micrograms/minute and adjusted to response; local protocols vary.
Common side effects
- Fast heartbeat or palpitations
- Tremor, nervousness, or headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- High blood sugar or low potassium
Important warnings
- Can cause serious maternal fast heartbeat, abnormal rhythms, or pulmonary edema.
- Use only in hospital under specialist monitoring; treatment is generally limited to 48 hours.
- Avoid in significant heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or major bleeding.
- May cause fetal fast heartbeat and newborn low blood sugar.
Pregnancy
Used only briefly to delay preterm birth under specialist care; benefits and risks require careful assessment.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding safety information is limited; brief treatment around delivery may affect milk production.
Interactions
- Other stimulants or beta-agonists can increase cardiovascular effects.
- Corticosteroids may increase the risk of fluid in the lungs.
- Diuretics or other medicines lowering potassium can worsen low potassium.
- Some anesthetics and heart medicines may increase rhythm or blood-pressure risks.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.