The uterine and cardiovascular effects of oral fenoterol hydrobromide

Fenoterol hydrobromide was administered as a 5 mg tablet to 10 patients in oxytocin-induced labour and the effects on uterine activity and on the cardiovascular system of mother and baby were evaluated. The drug took effect within 30 minutes in 8 of the 10 patients and it reduced uterine activity to less than 30 per cent of the original. Fenoterol caused a moderate maternal tachycardia, raised systolic and decreased the diastolic blood pressure.