Which type of medication is typically prescribed to manage preterm labor?

Tocolytics are the class of medications specifically used to manage preterm labor. Their primary function is to relax the uterus and inhibit contractions, which can help delay premature birth. These medications work through various mechanisms, such as blocking calcium channels or inhibiting certain hormonal pathways, thereby reducing uterine activity and allowing for further fetal development.

When preterm labor is identified, the use of tocolytics can be essential in providing the necessary time for corticosteroids to be administered to the mother to promote fetal lung maturity or for other interventions to take place. Options like antibiotics are typically used to treat infections, whereas antidepressants and neuroleptics serve completely different purposes, addressing mental health conditions rather than influencing uterine contractions. Thus, tocolytics are the focused treatment in cases of preterm labor due to their specific action on the uterus.