Fenoterol: an effective agent for the postponement of preterm birth.

Ninety patients in preterm labour were treated with a new sympathomimetic drug fenoterol hydrobromide (partusisten). Labour was inhibited in 80 (88.9 percent) for a minimum of 24 hours, and pregnancy continued until at least 36 weeks of gestation in 52 (57.8 percent) patients. The average duration of intravenous fenoterol needed for successful therapy was 16.4 hours, and the majority (56.2 percent) settled with a maintenance dose of 2 to 3 microgram min-1. The minimum prolongation index associated with full success was 3.36. Side-effects included palpitations and tachycardia. Serious congenital abnormalities were seen in one of five perinatal deaths but was not attributable to drug therapy.