How does it work?

Ritodrine hydrochloride is a beta2 adreno-receptor stimulant which acts on beta2 receptors found in uterine muscle. It decreases uterine contractility and therefore acts as a uterine relaxant. It is used in the management of premature labour.

What is it used for?

The management of pre-term labour

Use with caution in

Cardiovascular disease or individuals with risk factors

Fluid accumulation in the air-filled sacs of the lungs (pulmonary oedema)

High blood pressure

Hyperthyroidism

Mild-moderate pre-eclampsia

Not to be used in

Antepartum haemorrhage

Chorioamnionitis

Cord compression

Intra uterine foetal death

Maternal cardiac disease

Severe pre-eclampsia

The occurrence of convulsions during pregnancy due to high blood pressure

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

There is no safety information on the use of this medicine in pregnancy, but it has been widely used for many years with no apparent ill consequence. However, its use is best avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)

Sweating

Disturbance in the components of the blood

Accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary oedema)

Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations)

Nausea and vomiting

Flushing

Inflammation of the salivary (parotid) glands

Disturbances of liver function

Increased heart rate (tachycardia)

Wheezing or difficulty in breathing

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

When used together with corticosteroids there may be an increased risk of maternal pulmonary oedema. When used together with other sympathomimetic medicines, the effects are increased. Beta-blocking medicines may inhibit the action of ritodrine. When taken together with potassium depeting diuretics there may be a marked decrease in blood potassium levels.

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