ABSTRACT
Oxytocic drugs are those used to stimulate uterine activity. In the past 10––20 years there has been much change in the use of drugs that control uterine activity. Former agents such as ‘buccal pitocin’ and ‘pill ergot’ have been overtaken by newer drugs such as the prostaglandins. The assessment of the efficacy and safety of such newer drugs is dependent on measurable observations which reflect uterine activity. In current clinical practice there are three groups of oxytocic agents in use: oxytocin, the prostaglandins and their analogues, and ergometrine. These are naturally occurring substances, and are synthesised for therapeutic use. Methods for assessment of uterine activity need to measure the parameters of uterine frequency, amplitude and duration. The effect of oxytocic administration was readily apparent on consulting the cervicograph: if cervical dilatation took place, then the treatment was successful.
