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Serial serum potassium and glucose levels during treatment of premature labor with oral terbutaline
Author(s) -
Jovanovic Radoslav
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/0020-7292(85)90149-3
Subject(s) - medicine , terbutaline , palpitations , anesthesia , fetus , hyperkalemia , apgar score , tachycardia , gestational age , pregnancy , endocrinology , asthma , biology , genetics
The effects of prolonged use of orally‐administered terbutaline on mothers and their infants were studied. The only side effect observed in all patients was transient maternal tachycardia. Fifty‐six percent of the patients experienced palpitations, nervousness and tremors during the first few days of therapy, which thereafter resolved. This is contrary to the serious side effects reported during intravenous infusion of β‐mimetic agents. Maternal serum potassium and plasma glucose levels remained in the normal range during the entire therapy. Neonatal apgar, birthweight and metabolic parameters were all appropriate for gestational age. It appears that orally‐administered terbutaline produces no significant maternal biochemical or biophysical changes, or any side effects on the fetus.