The effects of the fenoterol hydrobromide (Partusisten) aerosol on uterine activity and the cardiovascular system.

Fenoterol hydrobromide (Partusisten) aerosol was used in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, double crossover trial to study its effects on oxytocin-induced uterine contractions and the maternal cardiovascular system. The active and placebo aerosols were each administered a total of ten times or twice each in five patients who were in established oxytocin-induced labour with intact membranes. Five puffs, of 200 mug each, of the active aerosol reduced uterine activity by more than half; the effect on the cardiovascular system was to cause a mild tachycardia and to widen the pulse pressure.