Oxytocin

Brands

DEA Class; Rx

Common Brand Names; Pitocin

  • Oxytocic Agents

Parenteral hormone with all the naturally occurring actions of endogenous oxytocin released from the posterior pituitary
Used clinically to induce labor and to aid in the delivery of the placenta (third stage of labor)
Also used to control postpartum bleeding

Indicated for labor augmentation in patients with a medical necessity for labor induction, at or near to term, when delivery is in the best interests of the mother and the fetus.

For the management of postpartum bleeding and to produce uterine contractions during the third stage of labor.
For the adjunctive treatment of inevitable or incomplete abortion.
For the evaluation of fetal distress using an oxytocin-induced contraction stress test (aka, oxytocin challenge test or CST).

Significant cephalopelvic disproportion

Unfavorable fetal positions or presentations, eg, transverse lies,which are undeliverable without conversion prior to delivery

Obstetric emergencies that favor surgery

Fetal distress where delivery is not imminent

Where adequate uterine activity fails to achieve satisfactory progress

Hyperactive or hypertonic uterus

Contraindicated vaginal delivery, eg, invasive cervical carcinoma, active herpes genitalis, total placenta previa, vasa previa, & cord presentation or prolapse of cord

Hypersensitivity

Fetal distress, polyhydramnios, partial placenta previa, prematurity, borderline cephalopelvic disproportion, previous major surgery of cervix or uterus (incl C-section), overdistension of uterus, grand multiparity, invasive cervical carcinoma, history of uterine sepsis or traumatic delivery

Hyperstimulation of the uterus, with strong (hypertonic) &/or prolonged (tetanic) contractions, or a resting uterine tone of 15-20 mm H2O between contractions may occur, possibly resulting in uterine rupture, cervical & vaginal lacerations, postpartum hemorrhage, abruptio placentae, impaired uterine blood flow, amniotic fluid embolism, & fetal trauma including intracranial hemorrhage

Not indicated for elective labor induction

Sinus bradycardia, tachycardia, premature ventricular complexes & other arrhythmias

Permanent CNS or brain damage, and death secondary to asphyxia

Neonatal seizure

Neonatal jaundice

Fetal death

Low Apgar score (5 min)

Uteroplacental hypoperfusion & variable deceleration of fetal heart rate

Fetal hypoxia

Perinatal hepatic necrosis

Fetal hypercapnia

Severe decreases in maternal systolic & diastolic blood pressure, increases in heart rate, systemic venous return & cardiac output, & arrhythmia

If uterine hyperactivity occurs, discontinue immediately

Intravenous preparations should be be administered by trained personnel

Risk of severe water intoxication on prolonged administration due to its antidiuretic effects

Restricting fluid intake may be warranted

Uterine hypertonicity, spasm, rupture of the uterus, and tetanic contractions may occur from high doses

IM not recommended for labor induction/augmentation

Oxytocin injection is used in pregnancy for induction of labor in patients with a medical indication for initiation of labor; stimulation or reinforcement of labor, as in selected cases of uterine inertia

Not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk; because many drugs are excreted in human milk, exercise caution when oxytocin is administered to nursing woman

No specific maximum dosage limit recommendations are available. Dosage regimens of oxytocin depend upon the patient’s age, sex, weight, condition being treated, product chosen, and the prescribing clinician’s judgment. Therefore, doses may vary widely and must be carefully individualized.

Oxytocin

injectable solution

  • 10 units/mL
Drugs Generic
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