Uterine Stimulants
Definition
Uterine stimulants (uterotonics) are medications given to cause a woman's uterus to contract, or to increase the frequency and intensity of the contractions. These drugs are used to induce (start) or augment (speed) labor; facilitate uterine contractions following a miscarriage; induce abortion; or reduce hemorrhage following childbirth or abortion. The three uterotonics used most frequently are the oxytocins, prostaglandins, and ergot alkaloids. Uterotonics may be given intravenously (IV), intramuscularly (IM), as a vaginal gel or suppository, or by mouth.
Purpose
Uterine stimulants are used to induce, or begin, labor in certain circumstances when the mother's labor has not started naturally. These circumstances may include the mother's being past her due date; that is, the...
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