NUPC 110: CARE OF MOTHER AND CHILD AT RISK OR WITH PROBLEMS (ACUTE

AND CHRONIC) SY 2022-2023, 2nd Semester

NAME: MELODY A. BOADO
YEAR AND SECTION: BSN 2D
Assignment

1. Examples of tocolytic agents

 Tocolytic agents are drugs used to treat preterm labor. Tocolytic drugs work by
relaxing the smooth muscle cells of the uterus, which slows down or stops labor
contractions. Several different classes of drugs are used for tocolysis, including:
 Betamimetics (such as terbutaline)
 Magnesium sulfate
 Prostaglandin inhibitors (like indomethacin, ketorolac)
 Calcium channel blockers (such as nifedipine)
 Nitrates (like nitroglycerine)
 Oxytocin receptor blockers (such as atosiban)

2. Effects/ Side effects of tocolytic agents

 There are a variety of different tocolytic agents available, there is not a single,
standard list of side effects. Here are some of the side effects of tocolytics,
broken down by drug class:
 Betamimetics
Drugs in the class: Ritodrine, terbutaline, and salbutamol
Major side effects: Cardiac arrhythmias (tachycardia), hypotension, hyperglycemia,
pulmonary edema
 Calcium channel blockers
Drugs in the class: Nifedipine, nicardipine
Major side effects: Maternal hypotension, dizziness
 Magnesium sulfate
Drug in the class: Magnesium sulfate
Major side effects: Flushing, respiratory suppression, cardiac arrest
 Oxytocin receptor blockers
Drugs in the class: Atosiban (not available in the United States)
Major side effects: Gastrointestinal upset
 Prostaglandin inhibitors
Drugs in the class: Indomethacin, sulindac, celecoxib
Major side effects: Maternal gastrointestinal disturbance, oligohydramnios (too little
amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus during pregnancy), premature constriction of
the ductus
 Nitrates and others
Drugs in the class: Nitroglycerin, nitric oxide
Major side effects: Headache, flushing, maternal hypotension, tachycardia

3. Examples of tocolytics which are stopped due to the side effects; What are those
side effects?
 There are many examples of tocolytics which are stopped due to their side
effects. The most common tocolytic is beta-adrenergic agents, which are used to
relax the smooth muscle in the uterus. These agents can cause side effects such
as tachycardia, hypertension, and arrhythmias. Calcium channel blockers are
another type of tocolytic which can cause side effects such as hypotension,
bradycardia, and flushing. Magnesium sulfate is another tocolytic which can
cause side effects such as hypotension, loss of consciousness, and respiratory
depression.

4. Routes of administration
 These drugs are usually given intravenously or intramuscularly, and are only
used for a short period of time, usually 24 to 48 hours. If labor does not stop
after this time period, the tocolytic drug will be discontinued and other
treatment options will be considered.

5. Nursing considerations in administering tocolytic agents.

 Nursing considerations in administering tocolytic agents:

 The decision to administer tocolytic therapy should be based on a

comprehensive assessment of the patient’s clinical status. The benefits of
tocolytic therapy must be weighed against the potential risks, which include the
possibility of maternal and fetal complications.

 Patients should be informed of the potential risks and benefits of tocolytic

therapy before therapy is initiated. Close monitoring of maternal and fetal status
is essential during tocolytic therapy.

 Maternal monitoring should include frequent assessment of blood pressure,

heart rate, and uterine contractions. Fetal assessment should include frequent
monitoring of heart rate and umbilical artery blood flow.

 Tocolytic therapy should be used only for a limited time, as prolonged use may
increase the risk of maternal and fetal complications. Discontinuation of
tocolytic therapy should be done gradually to avoid the risk of precipitating
preterm labor.