----------
> 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
> >