Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Isoxsuprine versus Ritodrine in the Management of Preterm Labour

Objective: To evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of Isoxsuprine and Ritodrine astocolytics in preterm labour. Methods: In this comparative study of 50 patients presenting with preterm labour, participants were randomly assigned into two groups of 25 each. One group received Ritodrine, while the other was treated with Isoxsuprine. Both groups were found to be comparable at baseline in terms of maternal age, parity, gestational age, and cervical characteristics, ensuring that outcomes could be attributed to the effects of the drugs themselves rather than population differences. Results: Ritodrine demonstrated a higher success rate in delaying delivery beyond 72 hours and increasing the incidence of term births.The average gestational age at delivery was higher in the Ritodrine group (36.15 weeks), with a corresponding increase in mean neonatal birth weight (3115.38g), both statistically significant improvements. Furthermore, fewer neonates required NICU admission in the Ritodrine group (7vs10), and there was no perinatal mortality, unlike the Isoxsuprine group, where one neonatal death was reported.Ritodrine’s faster onset of action and greater selectivity for uterine β2- receptors likely contributed to its higher efficacy. Though both drugs had associated maternal side effects, Isoxsuprine had a slightly higher overall incidence, including more frequent gastrointestinal disturbances, tremors, and palpitations.From a cost perspective, Ritodrine therapy was roughly three times more expensive than Isoxsuprine. However, considering the superior clinical outcomes, including fewer preterm births, lower NICU admissions, and better neonatal health, this may be justified in high-risk scenarios. Conclusion:This randomized study confirmed that Ritodrine hydrochloride is a significantly more effective tocolytic agent than Isoxsuprine in managing preterm labour.