Allopathy
Prescription Required
DCGI (Drugs Controller General of India)
Schedule H
Ritodrine is an Adrenergic beta agonist belonging to Tocolytic agents.
Ritodrine is an adrenergic beta agonist used to treat premature labor.
Ritodrine is rapid absorption from the GI tract (oral). The bioavailability is about 30% of an oral dose. Ritodrine crosses the placenta. Ritodrine is hepatically metabolized by conjugation with glucuronic acid or sulfate. About 70-90% of a dose is excreted in the urine within 10-12 hours.
Ritodrine shows common side effects like Blurred vision, chest pain or tightness, dizziness or light-headedness, Drowsiness, dry mouth, fast or irregular heartbeat—rare with oral form, flushed and dry skin, fruit-like breath odor, increased urination, loss of appetite, nausea, sleepiness, stomachache, tiredness, troubled breathing (rapid and deep), unusual thirst, vomiting.
Ritodrine is available in the form of Oral tablet and Injectable solution.
Ritodrine is available in India, Hong Kong, Germany, Singapore, Canada, Japan, and China.
Ritodrine belongs to the Tocolytic agents acts as Adrenergic beta agonist.
Ritodrine is beta-2 adrenergic agonist. It binds to beta-2 adrenergic receptors on outer membrane of myometrial cell, activates adenyl cyclase to increase the level of cAMP which decreases intracellular calcium and leads to a decrease of uterine contractions.
The Data of onset of action of Ritodrine is not clinically established.
The duration of action of Ritodrine is about 15 hours.
The Tmax of Ritodrine is approximately 5mins (by intravenously).
Ritodrine is available in the form of Oral tablet and Injectable solution.
Ritodrine tablet is taken orally and Ritodrine injectable solution is given via intravenous route.
Ritodrine is a medicine used to control premature labor (when your uterus starts contracting for birth too early during pregnancy). It works by reducing the contractions of the muscles in your uterus.
Ritodrine is an Adrenergic beta agonist belonging to Tocolytic agents.
A selective β2-adrenoceptor agonist with its main action on the uterus, causing relaxation. It reduces the intensity and frequency of contractions.
Ritodrine is approved for use in the following clinical indications
- Uncomplicated premature labour
Ritodrine is an adrenergic beta agonist used to treat premature labor.
- Uncomplicated premature labour
Adult Oral Dose: Start oral therapy 30-60 mins before termination of IV infusion at 10 mg every 2 hr for 24 hr. Subsequently, 10-20 mg every 4-6 hr according to patient's response. Max oral dose 120 mg daily.
Adult IV Dose: Given as IV infusion, initially 0.05 mg/min. Increase by 0.05 mg/min every 10 min until patient responds. Usual rate: 0.15-0.35 mg/min. As IM inj: 10 mg every 3-8 hr. Maintain for 12-48 hr. after the contractions have stopped.
Ritodrine is available in various strengths as 10mg; 10 mg/mL; 15 mg/mL; 5%-30 mg/100 mL.
Ritodrine is available in the form of Oral tablet and Injectable solution.
Ritodrine is contraindicated in patients with
- Antepartum haemorrhage
- Eclampsia and severe preeclampsia
- Intrauterine foetal death
- Cardiac disease.
- Threatened miscarriage
- Placenta previa and cord compression.
- Hypovolaemia
Ritodrine should be used with caution if you have hypovolaemia (low blood volume) as it can affect your blood pressure. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your electrolyte levels, blood volume and the functioning of your heart.
- Heart diseases
Ritodrine should be used with caution if you have heart problems as this medicine may increase the risk of irregular heartbeat and alters your blood pressure. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your electrolyte levels and the functioning of your heart.
- Pulmonary hypertension
Ritodrine should be used with caution if you have pulmonary hypertension (increased blood pressure within the arteries in the lungs) as this medicine can increase your blood pressure and further worsen your condition.
Breast Feeding Warning
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Pregnancy Warning
Animal studies have failed to reveal evidence of fetotoxicity. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Neonatal hypoglycemia, tachycardia, and ileus have been reported. Rarely, ketoacidosis resulting in fetal death has been reported. Ritodrine is only recommended for use during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk.
Common Adverse effects
- Tachycardia, palpitation, headache, nervousness, anxiety, nausea, vomiting.
Rare Adverse effects
- Anaphylaxis, arrhythmia, pulmonary edema, hypokalemia.
- Pancuronium and vecuronium
May enhance neuromuscular blockade produced by pancuronium and vecuronium.
- Potassium-depleting drugs
Potassium-depleting drugs may increase risk of hypokalaemia.
The common side effects of Ritodrine include the following
Common
- Blurred vision, chest pain or tightness, dizziness or light-headedness, Drowsiness, dry mouth, fast or irregular heartbeat—rare with oral form, flushed and dry skin, fruit-like breath odor, increased urination, loss of appetite, nausea, sleepiness, stomachache, tiredness, troubled breathing (rapid and deep), unusual thirst, vomiting.
Rare
● Sore throat or fever, yellow eyes or skin.
- Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category B
Animal studies have failed to reveal evidence of fetotoxicity. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Neonatal hypoglycemia, tachycardia, and ileus have been reported. Rarely, ketoacidosis resulting in fetal death has been reported. Ritodrine is only recommended for use during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk.
- Nursing Mothers
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Ritodrine may lead to tachycardia, CNS stimulation, hypokalemia and hyperglycemia.
Pharmacodynamic
Beta-2 adrenergic receptors are located at sympathetic neuroeffector junctions of many organs, including uterus. Ritodrine is beta-2 adrenergic agonist. It stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptor, increases cAMP level, and decreases intracellular calcium concentration. The decrease of calcium concentration leads to a relaxation of uterine smooth muscle and, therefore, a decrease in premature uterine contractions.
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
Ritodrine is rapid absorption from the GI tract (oral). The bioavailability is about 30% of an oral dose.
- Distribution
Ritodrine crosses the placenta.
- Metabolism and Excretion
Ritodrine is hepatically metabolized by conjugation with glucuronic acid or sulfate. About 70-90% of a dose is excreted in the urine within 10-12 hours.
- Caritis SN, Venkataramanan R, Darby MJ, Chiao JP, Krew M. Pharmacokinetics of ritodrine administered intravenously: recommendations for changes in the current regimen. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology. 1990 Feb 1;162(2):429-37.
- Caritis SN, Chiao JP, Kridgen P. Comparison of pulsatile and continuous ritodrine administration: Effects on uterine contractility and β-adrenergic receptor cascade. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology. 1991 Apr 1;164(4):1005-11.
- Hollander DI, Nagey DA, Pupkin MJ. Magnesium sulfate and ritodrine hydrochloride: a randomized comparison. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology. 1987 Mar 1;156(3):631-7.
- https://www.practo.com/medicine-info/ritodrine-246-api
- https://www.mims.com/philippines/drug/info/ritodrine?mtype=generic
- https://www.drugs.com/cons/ritodrine-oral-intravenous.html
- https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00867
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ritodrine-oral-route-intravenous-route/side-effects/drg-20067867?p=1
