Library · Reproductive · Prevention of preterm labor in pregnancy
Atosiban
Tractocile, RW22164, RWJ-22164, ORF-22164
Synthetic oxytocin-receptor antagonist from 1985, used to delay preterm labor by blocking oxytocin’s effect on the uterus. Delays birth by at least 48 hours, allowing time for corticosteroids to mature fetal lungs; a standard tocolytic in Europe but not FDA-approved in the US.
Research score 90/100. Reference only, not a dose.
- Hormone Regulation
- Fertility Enhancement
- Anti-inflammatory
- Stress Relief
- US status
- Prescription Only
- Approval
- EMA Approved
- Evidence
- Oxytocin and vasopressin receptor antagonist used to delay preterm birth (24-33 weeks). Standard of care in many regions (EU).
- Research score
- 90 / 100
- Indication
- Labor Induction
- Origin
- Sweden
- Source category
- Reproductive System
- Status group
- Approved / prescription
Mechanism
Competitively blocks oxytocin (and to a lesser extent vasopressin V1a) receptors on uterine muscle, cutting calcium-driven contractions via reduced phospholipase C/IP3 signaling, and lowering inflammatory cytokines linked to labor onset.
Safety file
Favorable safety profile; nausea (~14%), headache, and injection-site reactions are the main effects, with lower cardiovascular risk than beta-mimetics and no observed fetal toxicity.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Injection site reactions