To assess the relative efficasy and rate of side effects of ritodrine and magnesium sulfate, 66 patients were randomly assigned to receive one of two drugs. Patients presenting in preterm labor between 20 and 35 weeks' gestation were
prospectively
studies. If one of these drugs failed to abate the contractions or serious side effects to the drug were present, they were given second-line therapy. In both groups excellent outcome was achieved, with 80.6% and 85.7% of patients receiving
ritodrine
and magnesium sulfate, respectively, obtaining a delay in delivery of 7 days or more. A delay until term pregnancy was achieved in 51.6% and 60.0% of the ritodrine group and magnesium sulfate group, respectively. Maternal side effects were
comparable in
both groups, although tachycardia was more frequent in rittodrine and elthargy and/or chills were more frequent in magnesium sulfate. We conclude that ritodrine and magnesium sulfate are tocolytics of comparable efficacy and these drugs are
successful
in delaying delivery.
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