What are the alternatives to terbutaline?
Magnesium sulfate Magnesium sulfate also is used as a preterm labor drug. It is typically given by IV in the hospital. It must be administered in high levels; the line between a “therapeutic” dose and one that is “toxic” is quite thin. Therefore, women on it must be monitored carefully for complications. Magnesium sulfate also has been thought to be safe for babies, although a recent study has raised some doubts. Procardia A heart drug called Procardia (aka nifedipine) is viewed as causing fewer maternal side effects than terbutaline. However, it has not been widely studied. Ritodrine Ritodrine, the only FDA-approved drug to treat preterm labor, has similar side effects to terbutaline. It had fallen out of favor in comparison to terbutaline because it is more expensive. Ritodrine recently was voluntarily taken off the market by its manufacturer. Indomethacin Research about Indomethacin is limited, although some studies have linked its use to adverse effects on the baby or babies. Bedre
