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Tocolytic medicine

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Tocolytics are medicines that are used to slow or stop the contractions of a woman's uterus during pregnancy. They are typically given to women who are in preterm labor to try to delay birth for 1 to 2 days.

This delay may be needed for a variety of medical reasons, such as:

  • To allow time for a fetus's lungs to mature after corticosteroid treatment.
  • To prevent labor until specialized care is obtained that either the mother or fetus is expected to need.
  • To relax the mother's uterine muscles before trying to turn a breech fetus to the head-down position (external cephalic version).
  • To reduce the stress on a baby who has a low heart rate or other problem.

Examples of tocolytics include terbutaline, magnesium sulfate, nifedipine, and indomethacin.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.