Tocolysis of Preterm Labor
There are three general approaches to tocolysis:
1.) Sedate the patient with narcotics or barbiturates allowing her to rest.
2.) Administer a 1L bolus of normal saline to inhibit ADH secretion from the posterior pituitary. Inhibiting ADH secretions also inhibits oxytocin release.
3.) Lastly, administer magnesium sulfate or a beta-agonist such as terbutaline to stop preterm labor.
