NREMT Paramedic Practice

What medication is NOT typically used as a tocolytic agent?

1. Magnesium sulfate

2. Ritodrine

3. Ibuprofen

4. Nifedipine

The correct answer is: Ibuprofen

Typically, tocolytic agents are medications used to suppress premature labor by inhibiting uterine contractions. Magnesium sulfate, ritodrine, and nifedipine are all recognized as tocolytic agents. Magnesium sulfate works primarily by stabilizing muscle contractions and reducing neuromuscular excitability. Ritodrine is a beta-agonist that directly relaxes smooth muscle in the uterus, while nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, also effectively relaxes uterine contractions. Ibuprofen, while it has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to manage pain, is not primarily utilized as a tocolytic agent in clinical practice. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and does not specifically act to suppress uterine contractions like the other medications listed. Although there are circumstances where NSAIDs may be considered for managing inflammation associated with pregnancy, they do not hold the same role as specifically intended tocolytics.