Oxytocin Antagonist

OXYTOCIN ANTAGONIST

Atosiban is an antagonist of the oxytocin receptor that has beenapproved outside the United States as a treatment for preterm labor (tocolysis). Atosiban is a modified form of oxytocin that isadministered by IV infusion for 2–48 hours. In a small number of published clinical trials, atosiban appears to be as effective as β-adrenoceptor-agonist tocolytics and to produce fewer adverseeffects. In 1998, however, the FDA decided not to approve ato-siban based on concerns about efficacy and safety.