This document discusses different types of oxytocic drugs, which stimulate uterine contractions: (1) Oxytocin, a hormone secreted after childbirth that is used to induce and augment labor as well as treat postpartum hemorrhaging. Its effects resemble natural contractions but it has a short duration of action. (2) Ergot alkaloids like ergometrine are used to treat postpartum hemorrhaging and cause prolonged, tetanic contractions unlike natural labor. (3) Prostaglandins can induce contractions throughout pregnancy, soften the cervix, and are used for abortion and labor induction, though they have side effects like nausea. The document compares the effects and