| oxytocic | 1. Pertaining to, characterised by or promoting oxytocia (= rapid labour). 2. An agent that hastens evacuation of the uterus by stimulating contractions of the myometrium. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| oxytocics | Drugs that stimulate contraction of the myometrium. They are used to induce labour at term, to prevent or control postpartum or postabortion haemorrhage, and to assess foetal status in high risk pregnancies. They may also be used alone or with other drugs to induce abortions (abortifacients). Oxytocics used clinically include the neurohypophyseal hormone oxytocin and certain prostaglandins and ergot alkaloids. (12 Dec 1998) |