Stimulant

Stimulant, drug that stimulates an organ. Nervous system stimulants range from amphetamines and hallucinogenic drugs to drugs liable to induce convulsions. Cardiac stimulants such as digitalis and adrenaline are used in cardiac failure and resuscitation, respectively. Bowel stimulants have a laxative effect. Womb stimulants (oxytocin and ergometrine) are used in obstetrics to induce labor and prevent postpartum hemorrhage.

See also: Drug.