Effect of salbutamol on premature labour

Salbutamol, a beta-adrenergic stimulant, with a property of smooth muscle inhibition has been used in prevention of premature labour on 40 patients. To 540 ml of 5% dextrose solution 5 mg of salbutamol was added. The infusion was started at the rate of 10 drops per minute and then increased by 10 drops every 5-10 minutes, until uterine contractions ceased. It was observed that in 62.5% patients pregnancy was prolonged for more than 7 days and in 80% for more than 3 days. The mean gain in days was 14.8 days and the maximum was 48 days. The drug was more effective in patients with cervical dilatation less than 2 cm and with uterine contractions less than 3 per 10 minutes.