salbutamol in premature labour
Last reviewed 01/2018
Sympathomimetics such as salbutamol and ritodrine can be given as tocolytics. They are usually given as an IV infusion for 24-48h, while corticosteroids are administered to the mother to promote fetal lung maturity.
- toxic side effects, eg fetal and maternal tachycardia - if fetal heart rate exceeds 180 - 200 or maternal heart rate exceeds 120, then the infusion should be discontinued. Limit the time of infusion.
- also makes the mother jittery, and can cause pulmonary oedema, heart failure and death