Ability of nifedipine to prolong parturition in rats

Rats were randomly assigned to treatments: (i) no surgery control; (ii) saline control; (iii) 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 micrograms nifedipine kg-1 min-1; or (iv) 5.0 micrograms ritodrine kg-1 min-1. All drug treatments increased the interval between pup deliveries compared with the no surgery and saline controls. Apparent complete tocolysis was observed in 20, 60, 80 and 80% of the animals receiving 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 micrograms nifedipine kg-1 min-1 or 5.0 micrograms ritodrine kg-1 min-1, respectively. A positive pharmacodynamic relationship was observed for the nifedipine doses. Analysis of pup viability showed no statistically significant difference among treatments. Treatment with 2.0 micrograms nifedipine kg-1 min-1 gave a delay in pup delivery comparable to that with ritodrine.