Uterogenic drugs are defined as which?

• A. Drugs that induce contractions and greater tonicity of the uterus
• B. Drugs that relieve pain
• C. Drugs that prevent infections
• D. Drugs that induce lactation

Answer: (A)

Uterogenic (uterotonic) drugs cause the uterus to contract and increase its baseline tone. They work by stimulating the myometrium—often via oxytocin receptors or related pathways that raise intracellular calcium—leading to stronger, more frequent contractions and greater uterine tone. This action is used to induce labor or to help prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage by promoting effective contractions that compress bleeding vessels. Other options describe relief of pain, prevention of infection, or induction of lactation, none of which involve actively increasing uterine contractions. In short, uterogenic drugs are defined by their ability to induce contractions and raise uterine tonicity.