BACKGROUND: Preterm birth is a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Tocolytic drugs are used to suppress uterine contractions. The most widely used tocolytics in the Philippines are betamimetics, such as Terbutaline, which are known to have high incidence of maternal adverse effects. Nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, is an alternative tocolytic with potentially similar efficacy and fewer maternal side effects than terbutaline.
CONCLUSION: Terbutaline and Nifedipine appeared to be equally effective tocolytic agents. However, nifedipine had tile advantage of lesser incidence of maternal adverse effects.

Human ; Tocolytic Agents ; Nifedipine ; Terbutaline ; Calcium Channel Blockers ; Uterine Contraction ; Adrenergic Beta-agonists ; Maternal Inheritance ; Iatrogenic Disease