---------- > From: Maurenne Griese <[log in to unmask]> > To: Ray & Jill Paoli <[log in to unmask]> > Subject: Re: Oxytocin > Date: Friday, October 31, 1997 6:35 AM > > Jill, > > You are real close re: the relationship of Ventolin (albuterol) and it's > slowing of labor. Albuterol and other similar meds, like terbutaline and > ritodrine, are often prescribed in my neck of the woods (or prairie) to > stop preterm labor. The effect of albuterol on the uterus is similar to > the effect it has on the brochioles of the lungs-it relaxes smooth muscle. > In the lungs, this medication causes bronchodilation. It also causes the > uterus to relax. To my knowledge, it doesn't block the effects of oxytocin > on the uterus. > > I commonly see a slowing of labor in asthmatic women who use their Ventolin > inhalers in labor and sometimes their labors are augmented with Pitocin > (oxytocin). I also cared for a laboring woman just yesterday who had some > hypertonic contractions (on her own) that caused the fetal heart rate to > drop to 80bpm for over 7 minutes. I administered terbutaline 0.25mg SQ to > help the uterus relax, thus relieving the stress on the baby. It didn't > surprise me that the MD ordered oxytocin to stimulate her labor a few hours > later, though she also had a labor epidural. OK, I won't hop on my earth > mother soapbox now... : ) > > Anyway, Jill and others, I hope this explains the effects of albuterol on > the uterus for you. > > Maurenne Griese, RNC, BSN, CCE, CBE > Birth and Breastfeeding Resources > Manhattan, KS USA > [log in to unmask] > ---------- > > From: Ray & Jill Paoli <[log in to unmask]> > > To: > > Subject: Oxytocin > > Date: Friday, October 31, 1997 6:29 PM > > > > Hi all, > > I have been intrigued about the oxytocin discussion and as a lay person > > the learning curve is climbing! Lisa Marasco's posting was, again > > intriging. As a 6mth pregnant mum I had many prem labour episodes (due > > to GA for mastectomy) and was eventually prescribed Ventolin (oral) and > > at the time, I assumed Ventolin had the effect of blocking oxytocin > > release, believing that Oxtocin was involved in the triggering of labour. > > My uneducated assumption was supported when counselling a mum of a 4 wk > > old who found her LDR was extremely slow and inhibited during times when > > her athsma was acute and Ventolin dosage increased. Is this too > > simplified or just plain wrong? > > > > If there is some grounding for this, I do wonder if Ventolin is > > considered often enough as so many mums/children use the stuff routinely > > and often many times a day, and may forget to mention it when asked about > > medications/drugs in their diet. > > > > JILL PAOLI NMAA COUNSELLOR > >