Ritodrine
About
Ritodrine belongs to a class of medications called ‘tocolytic agents’ used to prevent premature labor. Premature labour happens when consistent contractions result in the opening of the cervix after week 20 but before week 37 of pregnancy. Preterm labour can result in premature delivery. Symptoms include leaking fluid or bleeding from the vagina, pressure in the pelvis, and cramps that feel like menstrual cramps regularly.
Ritodrine contains ‘Ritodrine’, which belongs to a class of medications called ‘uterine relaxants’. It is a tocolytic agent which prevents preterm labor by suppressing uterine contractions. It works by improving blood flow to the smooth muscles of the uterus. This effect helps to decrease the intensity and frequency of uterine contractions, thereby delaying labor.
You should take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The common side effects of Ritodrine are increased heart rate, palpitation (feelings of having a fast beating), headache, nervousness, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting. These side effects usually go away without requiring any treatment. However, if these side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor immediately.
It is not recommended to take Ritodrine if you are allergic to any contents of it. Before using Ritodrine, inform your doctor if you have diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure), a history of migraine headache, heart or blood vessel disease, any infection, and uncontrolled hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Also, inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Ritodrine is not intended for use in children and elderly patients. Do not take alcohol while using Ritodrine.
Uses of Ritodrine
Medicinal Benefits
Ritodrine contains ‘Ritodrine’, which is used to prevent premature labor or immature birth. It works by improving blood flow to the smooth muscles of the uterus. It helps suppress uterine contractions, thereby delaying the delivery, decreasing the risk of miscarriage, and preventing immature birth.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ritodrine
- Increased heart rate
- Palpitation (racing heart)
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor right away if your contractions begin or your water breaks. Do not take any medicines, especially over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, unless prescribed by the doctor. Before taking Ritodrine, inform your doctor if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, migraine headache, or heart or blood vessel disease. Inform your doctor if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, or tightness in the chest, as it can be a sign of pulmonary oedema (buildup of fluid in the lungs) or a heart problem. In such cases, the doctor may discontinue therapy temporarily. If you notice difficulty breathing, inform your doctor immediately, as it can signify pulmonary oedema.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Ritodrine may interact with a medicine used to treat high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat (e.g. acebutolol, sotalol, quinidine), antiplatelet drugs (e.g. anagrelide), medications to treat or prevent HIV/AIDS (e.g. saquinavir), antipsychotic drugs (e.g. thioridazine, ziprasidone) and anti-cancer medication (e.g. vandetanib, toremifene).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Ritodrine should be used with caution in pregnant women with diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), migraine headaches, overactive thyroid and heart or blood vessel disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol as it may cause serious side effects.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedRitodrine is used to prevent premature labor during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionNo information is available on its use in breastfeeding women. Discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Driving
cautionThere is no sufficient data on the effect of Ritodrine on driving ability. it causes dizziness and blurred vision. Hence, avoid driving or operating machines until you are alert and your vision is clear.
Liver
cautionRitodrine should be used with caution, as there is no sufficient data to establish the safe use of this medicine in patients with liver diseases.
Kidney
cautionRitodrine should be used with caution, as there is no sufficient data to establish the safe use of this medicine in patients with kidney diseases.
Children
unsafeRitodrine is not recommended for use in children as it is used during pregnancy only.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Follow a healthy diet. Include vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in your meals.
- Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water.
- Cut down on sugars, salts, spicy food, coffee, and alcohol.
- A heating pad can help ease the pain by placing it on the belly or lower back.
- Exercise can help ease the pain of menstrual cramps.
- Avoid stress by performing meditation or yoga.
- Massage your lower back or abdomen to relieve the pain.
- Take proper rest.
Special Advise
- Maternal pulse rate, blood pressure, and fetal heart rate (FHR) should be closely monitored while using Ritodrine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Premature labor: Premature labor is also called preterm labor when your baby starts getting ready for birth too early in your pregnancy. It starts before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Premature labor can be caused by premature rupture of membranes, high blood pressure during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia), and poor diet. Preterm labor symptoms include leaking fluid or bleeding from the vagina, feeling pressure in the pelvis, and cramps that feel like regular menstrual cramps. Many premature babies need special care and also have long-term mental and physical disabilities.
FAQs
Ritodrine contains ‘Ritodrine’, which is a tocolytic agent used to prevent premature labor. It acts by suppressing uterine contractions. It increases the blood flow to the uterine smooth muscles, thereby relaxing them.
Ritodrine doesn’t treat high blood pressure during pregnancy. It is used to prevent premature labor in pregnant women who are experiencing labor before week 37 of pregnancy.
Ritodrine increases blood glucose levels, so it should be used with caution in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus. In addition, Ritodrine is not recommended to use in pregnant women with uncontrolled diabetes.
You should visit your doctor regularly throughout pregnancy. Take the medicines as prescribed by your doctor and take care of health problems, especially diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, and thyroid problems if you have. Don’t take alcohol and quit smoking, as these can worsen your health condition.
