Name: Ritodrine (Yutopar)
Class: b2 Agonist
Mech.: Selective b2 stim.
Absorption: IV
Dist.:
Metab.:
Excretion, t½:
Toxicity/S.E.s: Tachycardia, arrhythmia, MI. risk w/underlying CV disease or use of MAO inhib. or tricyclics. Skeletal muscle tremor, restlessness, anxiety, apprehension. ¯ arterial O2 tension. High doses may cause myocard. necrosis, ¯ plasma K+, plasma glucose. hyperglycemia in diabetics, ¯ K+ in cardiac patients (esp. those taking cardiac glycosides and diuretics).
Utility: Uterine relaxant. Suppresses premature labor.
Special Features: Only drug approved in US to delay or prevent premature labor.