Effects of terbutaline on myometrial activity, uterine blood flow, and lower abdominal pain in women with primary dysmenorrhoea.

The effects of the selective beta2-receptor stimulator terbutaline (0-25 to 0-5 mg given intravenously) on myometrial activity, local uterine blood flow, and lower abdominal pain were examined during the first day of menstruation in 11 women with severe primary dysmenorrhoea. All had maximum intrauterine pressures between 200 and 350 mm Hg. During uterine contractions of high amplitude or long duration, the local endometrial blood flow decreased markedly, and the patients experienced the most intense pain. Terbutaline inhibited the myometrial activity, increased the blood flow, and relieved the pain.