Atosiban
Overview
A competitive oxytocin/vasopressin V1a receptor antagonist used as a tocolytic agent to delay preterm labor. Atosiban blocks oxytocin-mediated myometrial contractions without the cardiovascular side effects associated with beta-adrenergic tocolytics. The peptide is administered as an initial bolus followed by a step-down infusion protocol over up to 48 hours.
Key Research Findings
Approved in Europe and many countries worldwide (not FDA-approved in the US). Clinical trials demonstrated efficacy in delaying delivery by 48 hours to allow corticosteroid administration for fetal lung maturity. Superior safety profile compared to beta-agonist tocolytics, with significantly fewer maternal cardiovascular side effects (Flenady et al., Cochrane Review, 2014).
Intravenous
Investigational
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