Hexoprenaline
Hexoprenaline is a selective β2 adrenergic receptor agonist used in the treatment of asthma. Hexoprenaline is also used in some countries as a tocolytic agent, with the most common trade name being Gynipral. It is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
Contraindications
When used as a tocolytic, hexoprenaline is contraindicated in:- Hyperthyroidism
- Cardiovascular diseases, e.g. cardiac arrhythmias, tachycardia, myocarditis, mitral valve disease and aortic stenosis
- Ischemic heart disease
- Hypertension
- Angle-closure glaucoma
- Placental abruption, vaginal bleeding and inflammatory diseases of internal genitalia
- Shock
- First trimester of pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
Drug-drug interactions
When concomitantly administered:- Beta blockers reduce or neutralize therapeutic effects of hexoprenaline
- Methylxanthines increase its action
- General anaesthetics and adrenergic receptor agonists may increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects, such as arrhythmia