Maternal and Child Health

Tocolytics are medications used to suppress premature labor (from the Greek word tokos- childbirth, and lytic- capable of dissolving). They are given when delivery would result into premature birth.


C- check why the drug is given.
H- how would you know that the drug has achieved its therapeutic effect.
E- exactly at what time it is being given.
C- client teaching tips.
K- keys on how to counteract its side effects or adverse effects.

#1. Betamethasone (Celestone)

C- steroid; administered to promote fetal lung maturity.
H- (-) Fetal respiratory distress.
E- given with food to prevent GI irritation.
C- report signs of infection.
K- monitor weight.


#2. Mg SO4 (Magnesium Sulfate)

C- Anti-convulsant.
H- (-) convulsions.
E- no specific time.
C- diarrhea is a side effect.
K- always keep Ca Gluconate at hand. Assess RR, DTR, and urine output.


#3. Methergine

C- Oxytocic; used for uterine atony.
H- firm relaxed uterus.
E- no specific time.
C- report DOB.
K- Monitor blood pressure.


#4. Ritodrine HCl (Yutopar)

C- Tocolytic; used to halt labor.
H- relaxed uterus. (-)/decreased uterine contractions.
E- no specific time.
C- report increase in pulse rate.
K- contraindicated to clients with Hypertension, Hemorrhage, Infection, Bleeding Disorders, and spontaneous abortion.