Abortifacients
Definition
Abortifacients are drugs or substances that induce abortion by causing the uterus to contract and expel its contents. They are used in medical settings to terminate pregnancies.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Commonly used abortifacients include mifepristone and misoprostol.
- Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone, a hormone necessary for pregnancy maintenance.
- Misoprostol induces uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy.
- The effectiveness of abortifacients decreases as gestational age increases.
- These drugs are typically administered under medical supervision due to potential side effects and complications.
Review Questions
- What is the primary mechanism of action for mifepristone?
- How does misoprostol contribute to the process of abortion?
- Why is medical supervision recommended when using abortifacients?
"Abortifacients" appears in:
Related terms
Uterotonics: Drugs that induce contraction or greater tonicity of the uterus.
Progesterone Antagonists: Substances that block the action of progesterone, crucial for maintaining pregnancy.
Emergency Contraception: Methods or medications used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.
