Definition

1. Noun:
   • A drug that induces labor by stimulating contractions of the muscles of the uterus: An oxytocic is a pharmacological agent used in obstetrics to initiate or accelerate childbirth by causing the uterus to contract.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor administered an oxytocic to help progress the stalled labor.
  • Pitocin is a commonly used synthetic oxytocic in hospital deliveries.

Advanced Usage

• As a modifier: The term can be used adjectivally to describe drugs or effects.
  • The medication has a strong oxytocic effect, so it must be used with caution.

Variants and Related Words

• Oxytocic agent: A more formal term for the same class of drugs.
• Oxytocin: The natural hormone that oxytocic drugs often mimic or contain. (Note: "Oxytocin" is the specific hormone, while "oxytocic" refers to any drug with this effect).

Synonyms

• Uterotonic: A broader term for any substance that causes uterine contractions, which may be used for purposes other than inducing labor (e.g., controlling postpartum bleeding).
• Ecbolic: An older, less common synonym for a drug that induces uterine contraction and expulsion of the fetus.

Notes on Meaning

• The term is specifically medical and clinical. It is not used in everyday conversation.
• Its primary and almost exclusive use is within the contexts of obstetrics, midwifery, and pharmacology.

Noun

1. a drug that induces labor by stimulating contractions of the muscles of the uterus