Comparative Study of Transdermal Nitroglycerin Patch versus Isoxsuprine Hydrochloride in Patients With Preterm Labour

Preterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal& neonatal mortality so there is need to use tocolytics to reduce preterm births. Methods- A randomised prospective comparative study was carried out over 24 months period and 100 antenatal cases were included between 24 to 36 weeks of gestation. These cases were divided into two groups each containing 50cases. Group 1Treated with transdermal Nitroglycerin patch (Nitroderm 5mg) 12hours followed by Tab. Nitroglycerin (nitrocontine) (2.6mg) BD orally for one week. Group 2Treated with Inj. Isoxsuprine hydrochloride (Duvadilan) 10mg intramuscular 8hourly followed by Tab. Isoxsuprine (duvadilan) 10mg every 8hourly orally for one week. Results There were no differences in mean prolongation of pregnancy, fetal side effects& mode of delivery but there were differences in maternal side effects, birth weight& neonatal outcome. Headache was present in 48 % of NTG group. Tachycardia (84 %)& palpitation (78 %) was found in isoxsuprine group. Mean birth weight in NTG group was 2.45 Kg and in Isoxsuprine group 2.22 Kg. Apgar score less than7 at 1& 5minute found in 6 neonates in NTG group as compared to 14 neonates in isoxsuprine group. Conclusion- Though both drugs NTG transdermal patch and Isoxsuprine hydrochloride are used for tocolysis, NTG transdermal patch appears to be safe, cost effective, noninvasive method to treat preterm labour. NTG patch is free of painful intramuscular injections and less of side- effects and better acceptability by patients.