Abstract

ABSTRACT Background.We evaluated the efficacy and safety of ketorolac (Toradol). Methods.In this prospective trial, 88 women in confirmed preterm labor at ≤32 weeks' gestation were randomized to receive magnesium sulfate given as an initial 6 g intravenous bolus followed by continuous infusion therapy (2 to 6 g/hr) or intramuscularly administered ketorolac (60 mg loading dose) followed by 30 mg every 6 hours for a maximum of 24 hours. Results.The study groups were similar with respect to age, parity, cervical status, and gestational age on admission. Ketorolac was more rapid (2.71 hr ±2.16) in the arrest of preterm labor than was magnesium sulfate (6.22 hr ± 5.65). No patient required discontinuance of either drug due to adverse effects. There was no difference in the incidence of neonatal complications between the two groups. Conclusion.In gestations with preterm labor at <32 weeks, ketorolac appears to be an appropriate first-line tocolytic agent.