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-HT1A Receptor (5-HT1AR): A protein responsible for inducing the secretion of oxytocin
Serotonergic: A drug which acts upon serotonin and 5-HT1AR, resulting in oxytocin release (e.g., MDMA ("Ecstasy")
Ergoline uterotonics include methylergonovine, ergometrine (and Syntometrine), and acetergamine
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.
Prostaglandins
Dinoprost
Alprostadil
Prostaglandin F2, prostaglandin E1, carboprost
Fenprostalene in cattle. This compound resembles Enprostil in structure and is a long-acting analogue of PGF2α.
Meteneprost
Analogs of oxytocin
Urofollitropin is an analog of oxytocin possessing higher activity
Carbetocin
Demoxytocin
(Thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid)-oxytocin
Tocolytic
Conversely, a tocolytic acts to oppose uterine contractility. These agents may be oxytocinergic in mechanism. For example, atosiban works in this way.
Natural food
Parsley in large amount may have uterotonic effect
