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oxytocic hormone (oxytocic agent)
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)
Specific
pitocin (oxytocin, Syntocinon)
General
endocrine agent