Female Reproductive System Pharmacology

Question 1

abortifacient

Answer 1

Medication that terminates a pregnancy

Examples: mifepristone, Mifeprex; dinoprostone, Prostin E2

Question 2

fertility drug

Answer 2

Medication that triggers ovulation. Also called ‘ovulation stimulant.’

Examples: clomiphene, Clomid; follitropin alfa, Gonal-F

Question 3

hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Answer 3

Menopause or the surgical loss of the ovaries results in the lack of estrogen production. Replacing this hormone may prevent some of the consequences of menopause, especially in younger women who have surgically lost their ovaries

Examples: conjugated estrogens, Cenestin, Premarin

Question 4

oral contraceptive pills (OCPs)

Answer 4

Birth control medication that uses low doses of female hormones to prevent conception by blocking ovulation

Examples: desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol, Ortho-Cept; ethinyl estradiol/norgestrel, Lo/Ovral

Question 5

Oxytocin

Answer 5

Oxytocin is a natural hormone that begins or improves uterine contractions during labor and delivery

Examples: oxytocin, Pitocin, Syntocinon