Retosiban is primarily used as an oral tocolytic agent in the management of preterm labor. It functions as a selective oxytocin receptor antagonist, helping to suppress uterine contractions by blocking the action of oxytocin, a hormone involved in labor initiation. This makes it a potential treatment for delaying premature birth, allowing more time for administration of corticosteroids to enhance fetal lung maturity or for the safe transfer of the mother to a specialized care facility. Its oral bioavailability offers a practical advantage over intravenous tocolytics, improving ease of use in outpatient settings. Clinical development has focused on improving pregnancy outcomes in women at risk of delivering prematurely.