A comparative study of ketorolac (Toradol) and magnesium sulfate for arrest of preterm labor

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of ketorolac (Toradol). METHODS: In this prospective trial, 88 women in confirmed preterm labor at < or =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.