Procardia (nifedipine) ok to stop preterm contractions?

Preterm contractions: Premature contractions? Or premature labor? Premature labor is treated with Nifedipine (procardia). Real premature labor can't really be stopped by any agent for more than 24 - 48 hrs. Enough time to give steroids to the mother to accelerate fetal lung maturity.

Sometimes works.: Preterm contractions usually subside on their own with bedrest, hydration and relaxation. Tocolytics including Nifedipine can be used when preterm labor ensues (i.e. Cervix starts opening and effacing) with modest success (mainly limited to 48 hours). Nifedipine is relatively safe and modestly effective as tocolytics go.