Study to compare safety and efficacy of nifedipine and isoxsuprine in suppression of preterm labour

Abstract

Preterm birth and its consequences constitute a major health problem in India and worldwide imposing a huge burden on the healthcare cost as preterm labor is one of the leading causes of perinatal mortality and morbidity. This prospective randomized study has compared the safety and efficacy of 2 widely used tocolytics, Nifedipene and Isoxsuprine. 82% of patients who received nifedipine achieved successful tocolysis. While only 72% of patients who received Isoxsuprine received successful tocolysis. Maternal side effects like tachycardia, hypotension and pulmonary edema were more frequently observed in patients receiving isoxsuprine than those receiving nifedipine. This study proves nifedipene to be a better tocolytic than Isoxsuprine in terms of mean gestational age at birth, success rate and side effects.