Oxytocin antagonist

The oxytocin antagonists are uterine relaxants. They are used when there is a risk of a miscarriage.

How do the oxytocin antagonists act?

Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for uterine contractions. Oxytocin antagonists therefore inhibit these contractions. Unlike the beta-2 stimulants which act on all smooth muscle cells, these medicines are specific to the uterine muscle cell. They are administered intravenously.

Does it have contraindications or precautions?

The oxytocin antagonists are very effective and are not known to have side effects. They are expensive, however, compared to the beta-2 stimulants and are not therefore a first line treatment.

Source : Interview with Dr Philippe Deruelle, gynaecologist at the Lille University Hospital, 8 July 2011