Tocolytic Agents are medications designed to prevent or stop preterm labor. The word "tocolytic" comes from the Greek words "tokos" meaning birth and "lyein" meaning to loosen. The IPA phonetic transcription of "tocolytic" is /təkəˈlaɪtɪk/. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound. The "c" is pronounced as a hard "k" sound followed by the "o." The second syllable is pronounced with an "eye" sound followed by "tik." The final syllable is pronounced as "ik." Together, the word is pronounced "tuh-kuh-LYE-tik."
Tocolytic agents are a class of drugs that are primarily used in obstetrics to inhibit or suppress uterine contractions during pregnancy. These medications are typically administered to pregnant women to prevent or delay preterm labor, which is defined as labor occurring before 37 weeks of gestation. The main goal of tocolytic therapy is to buy time to allow for the administration of glucocorticoids, which help mature the fetal lungs, and to transfer the pregnant woman to a tertiary care facility for specialized neonatal care if necessary.
Tocolytic agents work by relaxing the muscles of the uterus, thereby reducing the frequency and intensity of contractions. They act by inhibiting the release of substances such as prostaglandins and oxytocin that play a role in stimulating uterine contractions. Examples of tocolytic agents commonly used in clinical practice include beta-agonists such as terbutaline, calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine, and prostaglandin inhibitors such as indomethacin.
While tocolytic agents effectively delay preterm labor in some cases, their use may also carry potential risks. These risks include maternal side effects such as tachycardia, pulmonary edema, and hyperglycemia, as well as potential adverse effects on the fetus, such as decreased fetal heart rate and reduced blood flow. Therefore, the decision to administer tocolytic therapy requires careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks, and should be individualized based on the specific circumstances of each pregnant woman.
The word "tocolytic" comes from the Greek words "tokos" meaning "birth" and "lysis" meaning "loosening" or "dissolution". A tocolytic agent is a medication or substance that is used to inhibit or suppress uterine contractions, usually to delay or stop premature labor.