Oxytocin-like substance

The oxytocin-like substances are medicines which can promote or stimulate contractions of the uterus. They are divided into three main categories: synthetic oxytocin, methylergometrine and prostaglandins. Uterine contractions obviously need to be regular and effective for natural vaginaldelivery .

Use of the oxytocin-like substances

The oxytocin-like substances are mostly used to trigger or increase uterine contractions during vaginal delivery and also occasionally in caesarian sections. They are also administered after the child has been delivered to treat uterine inertia which can cause haemorrhage. Finally the oxytocin-like substances are used to terminate pregnancy. Of these, oxytocin is a synthetic molecule similar to the molecule produced naturally by the body. The other two categories of oxytocin derivatives are methylergometrine and the prostaglandins.

Sources:

• Merck Manuel, 4^th edition ;
• Vidal, 2010 edition.