Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Obstetrics and Neonatal
P3 · Obstetric and Neonatal Pharmacology
P3.i · Oxytocics & Tocolytics
Understand the pharmacology of oxytocic and tocolytic drugs.
Written examination
SAQ history
Obstetric Pharmacology — Uterotonics & Tocolytics
1 exam appearance
Describe the mechanism of action, and side effects of THREE (3) classes of drugs that are used to increase uterine tone and THREE (3) classes of drugs used to decrease uterine tone.
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Obstetric Pharmacology — Myometrium & Tocolytics
1 exam appearance
(a) Explain the excitation contraction mechanism as it relates to the smooth muscle of the myometrium including a gravid uterus (50% of marks). (b) For each tocolytic agent: salbutamol, nifedipine, magnesium sulphate, provide the following information: (i) List the class (10% of marks) (ii) Provide a dose (10% of marks) (iii) Describe the mechanism of action (20% of marks) (iv) Outline the adverse effects (10% of marks)
42%
Oral examination
VIVA history
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2012B · VIVA 3
This Viva will examine maternal physiology and pharmacology. Write down the expected values in an Arterial Blood Gas for a pregnant woman at term. Subsequent discussion involved respiratory changes with pregnancy, including spirometry, pharmacology of drug transfer across the placenta, pharmacology of syntocinon and ergotamine.
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.