Tocolytics Definition

Tocolytics:

Drugs that prevent preterm labor and immature birth by suppressing uterine contractions. Agents used to delay premature uterine activity include magnesium sulfate, beta-mimetics, oxytocin antagonists, calcium channel inhibitors, and adrenergic beta-receptor agonists. The use of intravenous alcohol as a tocolytic is now obsolete.

Synonym: tocolytic agents.

Terms Related to Tocolytics

Tocolytic Therapy
Any drug treatment modality designed to inhibit uterine contractions in pregnant women at risk for preterm labor.
Anti-Hypertensive Drugs
Drugs used in the treatment of acute or chronic hypertension regardless of pharmacological mechanism. Among the antihypertensive agents are DIURETICS (especially DIURETICS, THIAZIDE), ADRENERGIC BETA-ANTAGONISTS; …
Tocolysis
Any drug treatment modality designed to inhibit uterine contractions in pregnant women at risk for preterm labor.
Uterine Monitoring
Measurement or recording of contraction activity of the uterine muscle. It is used to determine progress of labor and assess status of pregnancy. It is …

Additional tags: tocolytics definition