$Unique_ID{BRK02129}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{RITODRINE}
$Subject{Yutopar (Astra)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


RITODRINE
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Yutopar (Astra)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Beta-adrenergic receptor agonist (labor inhibitor)
INGREDIEN:
     Tritodrine
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (10 mg)
STORAGE:
     Ritodrine should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
       container.

USES

     Ritodrine is used to prevent premature labor.  It belongs to a group of
drugs called beta-adrenergic nerve receptor stimulants.  It prevents premature
labor by relaxing uterine muscle, thus decreasing the strength and frequency
of uterine contractions.

TREATMENT

     Ritodrine treatment is usually begun intravenously.  Once the
contractions stop, the medication is generally continued orally (in tablet
form).  Ritodrine tablets can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food
or milk (as directed by your doctor).
     BE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR DOCTOR'S INSTRUCTIONS on how this medication
should be taken.
     It is important to try not to miss any doses of this medication.  If you
do miss a dose and remember within an hour, take the missed dose immediately.
If more than an hour has passed, do not take the missed dose at all; just
return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose of the
medication.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Nausea or jitteriness.  These side effects should disappear as your body
adjusts to the medication.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
palpitations, shortness of breath, skin rash, tremors, or vomiting.

INTERACTIONS

     This medication interacts with a number of other types of medications:
     1. Beta blockers (acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, carteolol, esmolol,
labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, timolol)
decrease the effectiveness of ritodrine.
     2. Concurrent use of ritodrine and adrenocorticosteroids (cortisone-like
medicines) can lead to additional side effects in the mother or newborn.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Be sure to tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions
that you have had to any medications, especially to ritodrine.
     * Before starting to take ritodrine, be sure to tell your doctor if you
now have or if you have ever had diabetes mellitus, eclampsia or
pre-eclampsia, heart disease, high blood pressure, pulmonary hypertension, or
thyroid disease.
     * Do not take any over-the-counter (nonprescription) cough, cold,
allergy, asthma, sinus, or diet medication, unless you first check with your
doctor or pharmacist.  Some of these products decrease the effectiveness of
ritodrine.
     * You should CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY for further instructions
if your contractions begin again or if your water bag breaks while you are
taking this medication.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
