Uses of Ritopar: - Premature Labor Premature labour It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of the excipients of this component. beta2–agonists are contra-indicated in cardiac disease and in patients with significant risk factors for myocardial ischaemia; they should also be avoided in antepartum haemorrhage, intra-uterine infection, intra-uterine fetal death, placenta praevia, abruptio placenta, threatened miscarriage, cord compression, and eclampsia or severe pre-eclampsia.

Drugs acting on the Uterus

A selective β2-adrenoceptor agonist with its main action on the uterus, causing relaxation. It reduces the intensity and frequency of contractions. Heart rate is also increased while diastolic pressure is reduced. May cause bronchial relaxation but this is not clinically significant in its usage.

How to use Ritodrine Hydrochloride: Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Ritodrine Hydrochloride may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time. Adult Dose: Oral Uncomplicated premature labour Adult: 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. Parenteral Uncomplicated premature labour Adult: 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.

May enhance neuromuscular blockade produced by pancuronium and vecuronium. Potentially Fatal: Potassium-depleting drugs may increase risk of hypokalaemia.

It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of the excipients of this component. beta2–agonists are contra-indicated in cardiac disease and in patients with significant risk factors for myocardial ischaemia; they should also be avoided in antepartum haemorrhage, intra-uterine infection, intra-uterine fetal death, placenta praevia, abruptio placenta, threatened miscarriage, cord compression, and eclampsia or severe pre-eclampsia.

Common - Breathlessness - Chest discomfort - Increased glucose level in blood - Increased heart rate - Palpitations - Tremor The common side-effects of ritodrine hydrochloride are nausea, vomiting, flushing, sweating, tremor, hypokalaemia, tachycardia, palpitations, hypotension (left lateral position throughout infusion to minimize risk), uterine bleeding, pulmonary oedema; chest pain or tightness, arrhythmias and salivary gland enlargement. On prolonged administration for several weeks may cause leucopenia and agranulocytosis; liver function abnormalities including increased transaminases and hepatitis. Potentially Fatal: Rarely, anaphylaxis, arrhythmia, pulmonary oedema, hypokalaemia.

Ritodrine is a drug of pregnancy category B. There are no adequate and well controlled studies of effects in pregnant women before 20 weeks gestation; therefore, this drug should not be used before the 20th week of pregnancy. Studies in pregnant women from the 20th week of gestation onwards have not shown increased risk of fetal abnormalities. Nonetheless, although clinical studies did not indicate a risk of permanent adverse fetal effects from ritodrine, the possibility cannot be excluded; therefore, it should be used only when clearly indicated. In frequently reported neonatal symptoms include hypoglycemia and ileus. In addition, hypocalcemia and hypotension have been reported in neonates whose mothers were treated with other beta mimetic agents. Caution should be exercised unless the potential benefit of treatment to the mother outweighs any possible risk of the infants.

Precaution: CV risk factors, concurrent steroids, hyperthyroidism, myocardial insufficiency, arrhythmias, hypertension, DM, bronchial asthma treated with beta-agonists, lactation. Monitor plasma glucose and potassium. Monitor maternal pulse throughout infusion; adjust rate to avoid maternal heart beat exceeding 140 beats/min. Monitor patient's hydration status to reduce risk of pulmonary oedema. Discontinue treatment if there are signs of pulmonary oedema.

Symptoms of overdosage are tachycardia (maternal and fetal), palpitation, cardiac arrhythmia, hypotension, nervousness, tremor, nausea and vomiting. If an excess of ritodrine tablets is ingested, gastric lavage or induction of emesis should be carried out followed by administration of activated charcoal. When symptoms of overdose occur as a result of parenteral administration, ritodrine should be discontinued; an appropriate β-blocking agent may be usedas an antidote.

Keep away from the reach of the children. Store in cool & dry place protected from light

Drugs acting on the Uterus

A selective beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist with its main action on the uterus, causing relaxation. It reduces the intensity and frequency of contractions. Heart rate is also increased while diastolic pressure is reduced. May cause bronchial relaxation but this is not clinically significant in its usage.

Ritodrine is a drug of pregnancy category B. There are no adequate and well controlled studies of effects in pregnant women before 20 weeks gestation; therefore, this drug should not be used before the 20th week of pregnancy. Studies in pregnant women from the 20th week of gestation onwards have not shown increased risk of fetal abnormalities. Nonetheless, although clinical studies did not indicate a risk of permanent adverse fetal effects from ritodrine, the possibility cannot be excluded; therefore, it should be used only when clearly indicated. In frequently reported neonatal symptoms include hypoglycemia and ileus. In addition, hypocalcemia and hypotension have been reported in neonates whose mothers were treated with other beta mimetic agents. Caution should be exercised unless the potential benefit of treatment to the mother outweighs any possible risk of the infants.