Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Preterm labor and delivery are of the most important complications of pregnancy and have a major role in neonatal mortality and morbidity. Management of preterm labor and prevention from preterm delivery in order to lower these risks have always been under serious concern. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of isoxpurine hydrochloride and nifedipine as tocolytic drugs for preterm labor. Materials and Method: A prospective cohort study of 416 antenatal women with preterm labor was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Out of 200 women found eligible for tocolysis, 100 were given isoxpurine hydrochloride while the other 100 were given nifedipine randomly. The data obtained was statistically analyzed. Results: Nifedipine was twice more effective than isoxpurine hydrochloride as a tocolytic agent as a tocolytic agent (P value 0.04) while side effects were comparable (P value 0.124). In early-diagnosed preterm labor, nifedipine had higher efficacy than isoxpurine and also higher efficacy than its own in late diagnosed preterm labor. Conclusion: Nifedipine is recommended for aborting preterm contractions because it has fewer side-effects, superior efficacy and greater ease of administration than isoxsuprine