Certified Obstetric Emergencies (C-OBE) Practice Exam 2026 - Free Obstetric Emergencies Practice Questions and Study Guide

Uterotonics are drugs that make the uterus contract to stop postpartum bleeding. The two key uterotonic medications widely used are oxytocin (Pitocin) and misoprostol (Cytotec). They actively stimulate uterine contractions to compress bleeding vessels.

Tranexamic acid, while very helpful in reducing bleeding by stabilizing clots, does not cause uterine contractions. It’s an adjunct in postpartum hemorrhage management to reduce blood loss, but it isn’t a uterotonic. The other options contain drugs that are for blood pressure control, infection prevention, or diuretic use, none of which are uterotonics.

So the set that includes Pitocin and Cytotec centers on the actual uterotonic agents used to induce uterine contractions, with tranexamic acid as an important adjunct in PPH care.