Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Contractility Measurements of Human Uterine Smooth Muscle to Aid Drug Development
Published on: January 26, 2018
[Tocolytic therapy in threatened preterm labor]
Zaneta Kimber-Trojnar1, Bozena Leszczyńska-Gorzelak, Beata Marciniak
1Katedra i Klinika Połoznictwa i Perinatologii Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Lublinie. zkimber@poczta.onet.pl
The most important benefit of tocolysis is a 48-hour prolongation of gestational age in order to administer corticosteroids to reduce perinatal mortality and morbidity as well as, if necessary to gain time for "in utero" transfer to a tertiary centre with neonatal facilities. The tocolytic agents used in clinical practice can be grouped into six classes, namely: calcium channel blockers, betamimetics, magnesium sulfate, cyclooxygenase inhibitors, oxytocin receptor antagonists and nitric oxide donors. The use of them should be individualized and based on tocolytic effectiveness, safety gestational age as well as maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes. Data from clinical trials suggests that nifedipine appears to be the drug of first choice in the management of preterm labor.
The most important benefit of tocolysis is a 48-hour prolongation of gestational age in order to administer corticosteroids to reduce perinatal mortality and morbidity as well as, if necessary to gain time for "in utero" transfer to a tertiary centre with neonatal facilities. The tocolytic agents used in clinical practice can be grouped into six classes, namely: calcium channel blockers, betamimetics, magnesium sulfate, cyclooxygenase inhibitors, oxytocin receptor antagonists and nitric oxide donors. The use of them should be individualized and based on tocolytic effectiveness, safety gestational age as well as maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes. Data from clinical trials suggests that nifedipine appears to be the drug of first choice in the management of preterm labor.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules
Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
Adrenergic Antagonists: ɑ and β-Receptor Blockers
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management
Endotracheal Intubation II: Nursing Management
1. Nursing Care of Patients Before Intubation
Before the endotracheal intubation procedure, nurses play an essential role in ensuring the process goes smoothly. The nurses must be familiar with intubation...
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies

