[Tocolysis with fenoterol suppositories--a comparison with oral administration of fenoterol tablets].

A new application form of fenoterol (Partusisten) as 15 mg suppositories from Boehringer Ingelheim was tested for its tocolytic effect, tolerance and the main side effects under usual clinical conditions in a prospective study in 50 pregnant patients with premature labour in 24-36th week of gestation. During one week's treatment 25 pregnant women received 3 to 4 15 mg fenoterol suppositories and 25 patients 6 to 8 5 mg fenoterol tablets. Beginning on the second day of treatment until the end of therapy in both groups a reduction of the uterine activity of at least 50 percent was achieved. The uterine relaxant effect was sufficient until 3 to 4 hours after the application of fenoterol tablets and 6 to 8 hours after the application of fenoterol suppositories. Side effects were mainly limited to cardiovascular complaints, restlessness and tremor, and we found no significant difference between tablets and suppositories. The maternal heart rate reached its highest level on the second day of treatment. Fenoterol suppositories can be recommended in all cases, where an oral tocolytic therapy is not possible e.g. in cases of vomiting or before operations. Here the application of fenoterol suppositories can replace in some cases the intravenous infusion of fenoterol.