[A case of swelling of salivary gland due to drug treatment for threatened premature labor].

ABSTRACT

Ritodrine hydrochloride (luteonin), a beta-agonist with predominant effects on beta adrenoreceptors such as those of the uterus, is effective in suppressing premature uterine contractions. This medicine was used in drug treatment in the case of threatened premature labor. A 26-year-old female who complained of acute swelling of the bilateral salivary glands was consulted to our otorhinolaryngological department. The soft swelling of the bilateral parotid and submandibular glands had developed after intravenous administration of ritodrine hydrochloride for treatment of her threatened premature labor. In addition, serum amylase levels were elevated. The swelling of the salivary glands and the elevation of the serum amylase subsided following discontinuation of the ritodrine hydrochloride. In salivary glands, too, the beta-adrenoreceptors exist. Following stimulation of those receptors in those glands increased secretion of amylase occurs. Our findings suggested that beta-stimulation by ritodrine hydrochloride led to the swelling of the salivary glands and the elevation of the serum amylase. To our knowledge, in Japan, our case is the first otorhinolaryngological report of swelling of the salivary glands due to ritodrine hydrochloride. Otolaryngologist should therefore have full knowledge regarding swelling of salivary glands due to ritodrine hydrochloride.