Tocolytique

Also known as Tocolytic Agents, Tocolytics

Tocolytics (also called anti-contraction medications or labor suppressants) are medications used to suppress premature labor (from Greek τόκος tókos, "childbirth", and λύσις lúsis, "loosening"). Preterm birth accounts for 70% of neonatal deaths. Therefore, tocolytic therapy is provided when delivery would result in premature birth, postponing delivery long enough for the administration of glucocorticoids (which accelerate fetal lung maturity) to be effective, as they may require one to two days to take effect.