tocolytic agent

Introduction

Any agent used to arrest uterine contractions.

Pharmacology

• beta-agonists
  • ritodrine is the most widely used tocolytic in the UK
• calcium channel blockers
• prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors
• nitric oxide donors
• oxytocin receptor antagonists
• magnesium sulphate is popular for tocolysis in the USA

Indications

• premature labor

More general terms

• pharmaceutical agent

More specific terms

• ritodrine (Yutopar, Utopar)

Additional terms

• premature labor; preterm labor