What is tocolysis, and name a common tocolytic drug?

What is tocolysis, and name a common tocolytic drug?

• A. Medication to stop preterm contractions; terbutaline
• B. Medication to start labor; oxytocin
• C. Medication to relieve pain; morphine
• D. Medication to prevent infection; antibiotics

Answer: (A)

Tocolysis means using medication to stop uterine contractions in preterm labor to delay birth, giving time for fetal lung maturity and for steroids or transfer if needed. A common tocolytic is terbutaline, a beta-adrenergic agonist that relaxes the uterus by increasing cyclic AMP in the myometrium, which lowers intracellular calcium and reduces contractions. This action helps pause labor temporarily. The other options describe starting labor, relieving pain, or preventing infection, which are not what tocolysis does.

Tocolysis means using medication to stop uterine contractions in preterm labor to delay birth, giving time for fetal lung maturity and for steroids or transfer if needed. A common tocolytic is terbutaline, a beta-adrenergic agonist that relaxes the uterus by increasing cyclic AMP in the myometrium, which lowers intracellular calcium and reduces contractions. This action helps pause labor temporarily. The other options describe starting labor, relieving pain, or preventing infection, which are not what tocolysis does.