Atosiban
Atosiban is a tocolytic medication used to prevent preterm labor in pregnant women by blocking oxytocin receptors in the uterus, helping delay premature delivery. It is typically administered as an IV infusion to women between 24-33 weeks of pregnancy who are at risk of preterm birth, giving the fetus more time to develop.
Atosiban is an oxytocin receptor antagonist used to prevent preterm labor by relaxing the uterus and delaying premature delivery.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- G02CX01
- RxNorm
- 59639
- Generic
- Atosiban
- Class
- atc-g02
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid use
do not use in first trimester due to lack of safety data
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesterstandard dosing
indicated for premature labor between 20-33 weeks gestation when benefits outweigh risks
monitor uterine contractions and fetal heart rate
lactation
breastfeedingnot recommended
discontinue breastfeeding or express and discard milk during treatment
monitor infant for any adverse effects
pediatric_age
neonatesnot applicable
not indicated for use in neonates or infants
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlynot applicable
not indicated for geriatric population as drug is for premature labor
not applicable
renal_impairment
mild moderateuse with caution
limited data available use only if benefits outweigh risks
monitor renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateuse with caution
limited data available use only if benefits outweigh risks
monitor liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
other
multiple pregnancyuse with caution
use with caution in multiple pregnancies as safety not well established
close monitoring of uterine activity and fetal status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Atosiban
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Administration route
Method of drug administration
Used to delay preterm labor in pregnant women at risk of premature delivery, typically between 24-33 weeks of gestation, allowing more time for fetal development.
Atosiban is an oxytocin and vasopressin V1a receptor antagonist that blocks oxytocin from binding to receptors in the uterine muscle, preventing uterine contractions and promoting uterine relaxation.
Administered as an IV infusion, typically for up to 48 hours. Contraindications include gestational age below 24 weeks, fetal distress, intrauterine infection, or placental abruption. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness. Should only be used when clearly indicated as prolonged use beyond 48 hours is not recommended.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy