What type of drug is commonly used for tocolysis?

The commonly used drug for tocolysis is a beta-agonist like terbutaline. Tocolysis refers to the pharmacological intervention to suppress premature labor, typically in cases of preterm contractions. Beta-agonists function by stimulating beta-adrenergic receptors, which results in smooth muscle relaxation, including that of the uterine muscle. By relaxing the uterus, these medications help delay labor, allowing time for additional treatments, such as corticosteroids for fetal lung maturity, to take effect.

While other drug classes, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and calcium channel blockers, may have some off-label uses related to uterine activity, they are not the primary choice for tocolysis. Antibiotics, on the other hand, are generally used for infection management rather than for inhibiting contractions. The specific action of beta-agonists makes them particularly effective for this purpose in clinical practice, emphasizing their role as a mainstay in the management of premature labor.