What is "uterotonic"

a. (context anatomy English) That supplies tone (overcomes relaxation) to the uterine muscle n. (context medicine English) Any medication that has this effect

A uterotonic, also known as ecbolic, is an agent used to induce contraction or greater tonicity of the uterus. Uterotonics are used both to induce labor, and to reduce postpartum hemorrhage.

Some uterotonics act as analogues of oxytocin. An oxytocinergic, or oxytocic, means "having to do with oxytocin (OXT)". The Oxytocin Receptor (OXTR) is the binding and activation site of oxytocin.

Some agents may act as indirect oxytocinergics:

• 5-HT Receptor (5-HTR): A protein responsible for inducing the secretion of oxytocin.
• Serotonergic: A drug which acts upon serotonin and 5-HTR, resulting in oxytocin release (e.g., MDMA (" Ecstasy").
• Ergoline uterotonics include Methylergonovine and Acetergamine.
• Prostaglandins include Prostaglandin F2, Prostaglandin E1 & Carboprost (Hemobate).
• Polypeptides include Carbetocin and Cargutocin.
• Cloquinozine had been described as a Oxytocic agent.
• Epostane is another example of a drug described as a contraceptive, oxytocic agent.
• U-69,593 inhibits the peripheral, though not central secretion of oxytocin and vasopressin in rats.

A tocolytic acts to oppose uterine contractility. These agents may be oxytocinergic in mechanism. For example, Atosiban works in this way.