A levo-rotatory enantiomer of benzyl alcohol compound represented by the following formula (I):
wherein . C represents an asymmetric carbon atom; a pharmacologically acceptable salt of the compound; and a method for preparing the enantiomer is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for ralaxing uterine smooth muscle and bladder smooth muscle comprising administering the levo-rotatory enantiomer. Further disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of premature labor or incontinence of urine comprising an effective amount of the levo-rotatory enantiomer together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or coating. Lastly disclosed are methods for the treatment of premature labor or incontinence of urine comprising the steps of determining that a mammal has one of these illnesses and administering the levo-rotatory enantiomer to the mammal.