Obstetrics and gynaecology
12 drugs
Antiprogestogens (progesterone receptor modulators)
- About this sectionSteroids that block or modulate the progesterone receptor: mifepristone for medical abortion and ulipristal…
- MifepristoneProgesterone receptor (PGR); also glucocorticoid receptor
- UlipristalProgesterone receptor (PGR)
Drugs for hypoactive sexual desire disorder
- About this sectionMedicines for low sexual desire that causes distress in premenopausal women: daily flibanserin and on-demand…
- FlibanserinSerotonin 5-HT1A (agonist) and 5-HT2A (antagonist) receptors
Ergot alkaloids
- About this sectionDrugs derived from the ergot fungus that cause strong, sustained contraction of the uterus and of blood…
- ErgometrineSerotonin 5-HT2 and alpha-adrenergic receptors of the myometrium
- ErgotamineSerotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptors (and alpha-adrenergic receptors)
- MethylergometrineSerotonin 5-HT2 and alpha-adrenergic receptors of the myometrium
Hormonal contraceptives
- About this sectionEstrogen plus progestin, or progestin alone: they prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and thickening…
- Ethinylestradiol + levonorgestrelProgesterone receptor (PGR) and estrogen receptor
- LevonorgestrelProgesterone receptor (PGR)
Prostaglandin analogues (obstetric use)
- About this sectionSynthetic prostaglandins that contract the uterus and soften the cervix: used for bleeding after birth…
- AlprostadilProstaglandin E receptors (EP2 and EP4, Gs-coupled)
- CarboprostProstaglandin F2α receptor (FP)
- MisoprostolProstaglandin E receptor EP3 (and other EP receptors)
Uterotonics (oxytocin and analogues)
- About this sectionOxytocin and its long-acting analogue carbetocin make the uterus contract. They are the first-line medicines…
- OxytocinOxytocin receptor (OXTR)
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Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Representative model, for educational purposes only.
