An oxytocin antagonist that delays preterm labour
Atosiban
A hospital drip used to delay premature labour for a short time.
What is Atosiban?
Atosiban is given as a drip in hospital to delay premature (preterm) labour for a short period, typically to buy time for steroids to help the baby's lungs mature or to allow transfer to a unit with the right care. It works by blocking oxytocin, the hormone that drives labour contractions, so the womb relaxes. It is generally well tolerated, with fewer side effects than some other options. The brand name is Tractocile.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Atosiban — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Atosiban is a medicine that blocks the action of oxytocin, the hormone that makes the womb contract in labour. It is used in hospital to try to delay premature labour for a short time when a baby is at risk of being born too early. The aim is usually to gain enough time for steroid injections to help the baby's lungs develop, or to move mother and baby to a unit with the right level of newborn care. It is given as a drip into a vein.
How it works
Labour contractions are driven partly by oxytocin acting on the muscle of the womb. Atosiban blocks oxytocin's effect, which relaxes the womb and can slow or stop early contractions for a while. It does not treat the underlying cause of preterm labour, but the short delay it provides can be valuable — long enough for steroids to take effect on the baby's lungs or for transfer to a specialist unit. It is given as a controlled drip over a planned period.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Generic (specialist supply).
A hospital drip used in the UK to delay premature (preterm) labour for a short time.
Practical use
How to take Atosiban
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- It is given as a drip into a vein in hospital by the maternity team; you do not take it yourself.
- It is usually used over a planned, limited period rather than long term.
- You will be monitored, including checks of your contractions and the baby's heartbeat.
- Steroid injections to help the baby's lungs are often given around the same time.
- Tell the team if you feel unwell, very dizzy or notice a change in the contractions or the baby's movements.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Atosiban
Advantages
- Can delay premature labour for a short time to allow steroids to help the baby's lungs or to arrange transfer.
- Tends to be well tolerated, with fewer effects on the mother's heart and circulation than some alternatives.
- Given as a controlled hospital drip with monitoring of mother and baby.
Disadvantages
- Only delays labour briefly and does not treat the underlying cause.
- Must be given in hospital as a drip, with monitoring.
- Is not suitable in situations where the baby needs to be delivered promptly.
Practical use
Good to know
Atosiban is used only in hospital, as a drip, when the team judges that delaying labour for a short time would help the baby. It is often chosen because it tends to be well tolerated, with fewer effects on the mother's heart and circulation than some alternative medicines. Common effects are mild, such as nausea, headache, dizziness or a fast heartbeat. It is generally used over a limited period rather than long term, and the team monitors contractions and the baby's wellbeing throughout. It is not suitable in every situation — for example, if there are signs that the baby needs to be delivered promptly — and the obstetric team weighs this for each woman. The goal is a short, useful delay alongside other care such as steroids.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- Women in situations where it would be safer for the baby to be born promptly, such as certain emergencies.
- Women whose pregnancy stage or condition falls outside where it is recommended, as judged by the team.
- Anyone with a known allergy to it or for whom the obstetric team judges it unsuitable.
Monitoring
- Monitoring of contractions and the baby's heartbeat during the drip.
- Watching how well the contractions settle and whether the delay is achieved.
- Checking for side effects such as nausea, dizziness or a fast heartbeat.
Side effects
- Nausea is the most common effect; headache, dizziness or a fast heartbeat can also occur.
- Hot flushes, vomiting or a reaction at the drip site are possible.
- It is generally well tolerated, with serious effects being uncommon.
Key interactions
- It has few important interactions, but the team reviews all your medicines.
- It is not used alongside other medicines that strengthen contractions, as that would work against it.
- Tell the team about any other treatments so your care can be coordinated.
Available as: Drip (infusion) given into a vein in hospital.
Answers
Atosiban: frequently asked questions
What is atosiban used for?
It is used in hospital to delay premature labour for a short time, usually to allow steroids to help the baby's lungs or to arrange transfer to a specialist unit.
How does it work?
It blocks oxytocin, the hormone that drives labour contractions, which relaxes the womb and can slow early contractions for a while.
Will it stop my baby coming early altogether?
Not necessarily; it aims to provide a short, useful delay rather than to treat the cause. That time can let steroids work or allow transfer to the right unit.
Is it safe for me and the baby?
It is generally well tolerated, often with fewer effects on the mother's heart and circulation than some alternatives, and the team monitors you and the baby throughout.
How is it given?
It is given as a drip into a vein in hospital over a planned period, with monitoring of your contractions and the baby's heartbeat.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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