What it means
Drugs that increase the tone and contractions of the uterine muscle. oxytocinok-sih-TOH-sinA hormone that makes the uterus contract and releases breast milk; also given by IV to start or strengthen labor and control bleeding after birth.Full entry is used to start or strengthen labor and, after birth, to keep the uterus firm. methylergonovinemeth-il-er-GOE-noe-veenAn ergot drug that makes the uterus contract firmly, given after birth.Full entry , carboprostKAR-boh-prostA prostaglandin drug injected into muscle to make the uterus contract strongly.Full entry and misoprostolmy-soh-PROS-tolA prostaglandin drug that protects the stomach lining and also makes the cervix soften and the uterus contract.Full entry are used for postpartum hemorrhage. Each has its own cautions: methylergonovine raises blood pressure, and carboprost can tighten the airways.
For the nurse
Check blood pressure before giving methylergonovine and hold it for high blood pressure as ordered; ask about asthma before carboprost. With oxytocin in labor, watch contractions and the fetal heart rate closely. ISMP lists IV oxytocin as a high-alert medication.
At a glance
| Drug class | uterine stimulant |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Pitocin (oxytocin), Methergine (methylergonovine), Hemabate (carboprost) |
| Also written | uterotonics, oxytocic, oxytocics |
Related terms
postpartum hemorrhage
Heavy bleeding after birth: a total blood loss of 1,000 mL or more, or blood loss with signs of low blood volume, within 24 hours.
oxytocin
A hormone that makes the uterus contract and releases breast milk; also given by IV to start or strengthen labor and control bleeding after birth.
misoprostol
A prostaglandin drug that protects the stomach lining and also makes the cervix soften and the uterus contract.
methylergonovine
An ergot drug that makes the uterus contract firmly, given after birth.
carboprost
A prostaglandin drug injected into muscle to make the uterus contract strongly.