oxytocic hormone (oxytocic agent)

Introduction

Drugs that stimulate contraction of the myometrium. Oxytocics used clinically include:

• pitocin (oxytocin)
• certain prostaglandins
• ergot alkaloids

Uses

• induction of labor & delivery at term
• prevention or control of postpartum or postabortion hemorrhage
• assessment of fetal status in high risk pregnancies
• they may also be used alone or with other drugs to induce abortions (abortifacients)

More general terms

• endocrine agent

More specific terms

• pitocin (oxytocin, Syntocinon)