title: Antiprostaglandin drugs.
abstract: Prostaglandins create conditions favorable for activation and stimulation of labor and are key components in the process of both normal and preterm labor. Antiprostaglandins may be useful in the prevention of preterm labor because they inhibit prostaglandin synthetase and reduce prostaglandin formation. The antiprostaglandin indomethacin has been the most studied as a tocolytic agent, but its success is limited because of fetal and neonatal complications associated with prolonged use. More recently, the cyclooxygenase-2 specific agents have been investigated because of their improved side effect profile. This article discusses the process of prostaglandin production and inhibition and reviews and critiques the available literature investigating the efficacy and safety of indomethacin and the newer cyclooxygenase-2 agents.
authors.affiliation: Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, 29425, USA. vermills@musc.edu
authors.forename: Stephen T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Vermillion
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Robinson
mesh_terms: D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005323:Fetal Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012449:Safety
chemical_list: D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D007213:Indomethacin