Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026

Contractility Measurements of Human Uterine Smooth Muscle to Aid Drug Development
Published on: January 26, 2018
Uterotonic Medications: Oxytocin, Methylergonovine, Carboprost, Misoprostol
Cristianna Vallera1, Lynn O Choi1, Catherine M Cha1
1Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 757 Westwood Plaza, Suite 3325, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7403, USA.
Abstract:
Uterine atony is a common cause of primary postpartum hemorrhage, which remains a major cause of pregnancy-related mortality for women worldwide. Oxytocin, methylergonovine, carboprost, and misoprostol are commonly used to restore uterine tone. Oxytocin is the first-line agent. Methylergonovine and carboprost are both highly effective second-line agents with severe potential side effects. Recent studies have called into question the effectiveness of misoprostol as an adjunct to other uterotonic agents, but it remains a useful therapeutic in resource-limited practice environments. We review the current role these medications play in the prevention and treatment of uterine atony.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Prostaglandin Analogs as Mucosal Protective Agents
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can induce peptic ulcers by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, decreasing...
Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
Birth Control Methods
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists

