Pharmacological Inhibition of Uterine Activity

Several drugs have been used clinically to inhibit uterine activity in preterm labor, e.g. prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors, β‐receptor agonists, ethanol, calcium antagonists, magnesium sulfate and progesterone. A short review is given of the excitation‐contraction‐relaxation processes in uterine smooth muscle, and the effects and possible modes of action of these drugs are briefly discussed.