Ritodrine Hydrochloride

Ritodrine falls under pregnancy category B. Because there are no adequate, well-controlled studies of its effects before 20 weeks of gestation, it should not be given before the 20th week of pregnancy. Studies conducted from the 20th week onward have not shown an increased risk of fetal abnormalities. Even so, while clinical studies have not pointed to any lasting harm to the fetus, this possibility cannot be entirely ruled out, so the drug should be used only when clearly needed. Newborns are frequently reported to experience hypoglycemia and ileus, and low calcium levels and low blood pressure have been noted in infants whose mothers received other beta-mimetic agents during pregnancy. It should therefore be used with caution, and only when the expected benefit to the mother is judged to outweigh any possible risk to the infant.