ritodrine hydrochloride /rit″ədrēn/ , a uterine relaxant. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in pregnancy management to stop the uterus from contracting in preterm labor. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: It is not given before the twentieth week of gestation. Known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse reactions are tachycardia, palpitations, headache, nausea, and alterations in blood pressure. Pulmonary edema and death have occurred when it has been given concomitantly with corticosteroids to prevent the development of respiratory distress syndrome in the premature neonate.
