Clinical issues surrounding the use of terbutaline sulfate for preterm labor

Obstet Gynecol Surv. 1998 Nov;53(11 Suppl):S85-95. doi: 10.1097/00006254-199811002-00001.

Abstract

beta-mimetics have been prescribed by physicians to arrest or prevent premature labor for more than 20 years. Although not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for tocolytic use, terbutaline sulfate has been the most widely prescribed beta-mimetic in the United States. Recently, the role of terbutaline in the treatment and prevention of preterm labor has been questioned by the FDA. Because the off-label use of drugs is a formally accepted practice in medicine when scientific studies support such use, we reviewed the currently available clinical literature on terbutaline use in various routes of delivery: intravenous, oral, and subcutaneous via infusion pump. This review describes the clinical evidence that supports the safe and effective use of terbutaline as a tocolytic agent in certain patient populations. Practicing physicians should continue to have unrestricted use of terbutaline for tocolysis as one of the few remaining therapeutic options remaining in the fight against preterm birth.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / administration & dosage
  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / adverse effects
  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Approval
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature / drug therapy*
  • Pregnancy
  • Terbutaline / administration & dosage
  • Terbutaline / adverse effects
  • Terbutaline / therapeutic use*
  • Tocolytic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Tocolytic Agents / adverse effects
  • Tocolytic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • United States
  • United States Food and Drug Administration

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists
  • Tocolytic Agents
  • Terbutaline