Pharmacologic Substance
ritodrine
Effect:
Bronchodilation; Decreased Uterine Smooth Muscle Contraction or Tone; Muscular Arterial Vasoconstriction
May Prevent:
Obstetric Labor, Premature
Definitions related to ritodrine:
  • A phenethylamine derivative with tocolytic activity. Ritodrine binds to and activates beta-2 adrenergic receptors of myometrial cells in the uterus, which decreases the intensity and frequency of uterine contractions. Specifically, ritodrine probably activates adenyl cyclase, thereby increasing production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which in turn enhances the efflux of calcium from vascular smooth muscle cells. A lack of intracellular calcium prevents uterine myometrial contractions. In addition, this agent may directly inactivate myosin light chain kinase, a critical enzyme necessary for the initiation of muscle contractions.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • An adrenergic beta-2 agonist used to control PREMATURE LABOR.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
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