What are tocolytics drugs?
Abstract. Tocolytic agents are drugs designed to inhibit contractions of myometrial smooth muscle cells. Such an effect has been demonstrated in vitro or in vivo for several pharmacological agents, including beta-adrenergic agonists, calcium channel antagonists, oxytocin antagonists, NSAIDs and magnesium sulfate.
What are tocolytics and examples?
The most common tocolytic agents used for the treatment of preterm labor are magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), indomethacin, and nifedipine.
What is tocolytic drugs used for?
Tocolytics are drugs that are used to delay your delivery for a short time (up to 48 hours) if you begin labor too early in your pregnancy.
What is the best Tocolytic?
Prostaglandin inhibitors and calcium channel blockers were the tocolytics with the best probability of being ranked in the top three medication classes for the outcomes of 48 hour delay in delivery, respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal mortality, and maternal side effects (all cause).
Is Tocolytic a drug class?
Tocolytics are a category of drugs used to delay the labor process.
Is nifedipine a Tocolytic?
Nifedipine appears to be superior to β2-adrenergic-receptor agonists and magnesium sulfate and should be considered as the first-line tocolytic agent for the management of preterm labor.
How do NSAIDs work as Tocolytics?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit the cyclooxygenase receptor and thereby decrease uterine contractions during preterm labor.
How long do Tocolytics last?
Tocolytics are medications used to delay delivery, sometimes for up to 48 hours.
Is salbutamol a Tocolytic?
Our findings are consistent with previous studies that have shown that terbutaline10–12 and salbutamol13–15 are effective tocolytic agents accompanied by side effects.
Are Tocolytics safe?
Tocolytics have significant long-term side effects to the mother’s cardiovascular system, carbohydrate metabolism, and the fetal cardiovascular system. Thus, the prolonged use of prophylactic tocolytics after cessation of intravenous medications is not recommended.
Are there any contraindications to the use of tocolytics?
Contraindications to tocolytics. In addition to drug-specific contraindications, [citation needed] several general factors may contraindicate delaying childbirth with the use of tocolytic medications.
What does tocolytics stand for in medical category?
Tocolytics (also called anti-contraction medications or labor suppressants) are medications used to suppress premature labor (from Greek τόκος tókos, “childbirth”, and λύσις lúsis, “loosening”).
Which is the most commonly used tocolytic agent?
Terbutaline has been one of the most commonly used tocolytic agents. Through an action on beta2 receptors, terbutaline increases cyclic AMP, which decreases intracellular calcium levels, thereby decreasing myometrial contractility (the myometrium is the middle layer of the uterine wall and is responsible for inducing uterine contractions).
What should the future direction of tocolytics be?
The future direction of the development of tocolytics agents should be directed toward better efficacy in intentionally prolonging pregnancy. This will potentially result in less maternal, fetal, and neonatal adverse effects when delaying preterm childbirth.