Comparison of Oral Nicardipine and Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate for Preterm Labor Pain Management

Medical treatment by contraction inhibitors is the most common strategy for management of preterm labor pain. Nicardipine is a dihydropyridine used for inhibition of contractions in animal models. In the clinical setting the most common medication used for management of preterm labor pain is magnesium sulfate. This study aims to compare the effectiveness and side effects of oral nicardipine and intravenous magnesium sulfate in treatment of preterm labor pain. Methods 125 pregnant women with a gestational age of 24-34 weeks and preterm labor pain were entered into this clinical trial. They were randomly divided into two groups of nicardipine and magnesium sulfate. The medications were administered in loading and maintenance doses. Results Two groups were not significantly different in terms of gestational age and cervical dilatation but their gravity differed significantly. But response to treatment and the time needed for complete inhibition of contractions were significantly different in these groups. Conclusion In magnesium sulfate group the response to primary treatment was higher and the time needed to stop the contractions was shorter in comparison to the nicardipine group. But maternal side effects were higher in the former group