Cardiovascular effects of terbutalin in pregnant women

Terbutalin, a beta-mimetic drug, appears to have a favorable beta 2:beta 1 ratio. It is suitable for uterine relaxation. Ten normotensive pregnant women with imminent premature labor were studied during intravenous infusion of terbutalin with the non-invasive method of quantitative sphygmometry. Cardiac output increased and total peripheral resistance decreased. As there was only slight variation in the arterial blood pressure, terbutalin is indicated especially in cases with hypotension.