Oxytocin

Therapeutic Group

Uterotonics

Indication Dosage

Oxytocin is indicated for the following purposes:

  • Induction or Augmentation of Labor: Oxytocin is used to initiate or strengthen uterine contractions during labor, helping to facilitate childbirth.
  • Postpartum Hemorrhage: Oxytocin can be administered to prevent or manage excessive bleeding after childbirth (postpartum hemorrhage).
  • Stimulation of Milk Ejection: Oxytocin may be prescribed to enhance milk letdown in breastfeeding mothers, promoting the release of breast milk.

Induction Of Labour, Stimulation Of Labour In Hypotonic Uterine Inertia: 

By IV Infusion: 

  • Adult: Initially 0.001-0.004 Units/minute, Not To Be Started For 6 Hours After Administration Of Vaginal Prostaglandin, Dose Increased At Intervals Of 30 Minutes Until A Maximum Of 3-4 Contractions Occur Every 10 Minutes (0.01 Units/minute Is Often Adequate) Up To Max; 0.02 Units/minute, If Regular Contractions Not Established After A Total 5 Units, Stop Induction Attempt (may Be Repeated Next Day Starting Again At 0.001-0.004 Units/minute) 

Cesarean Section: 

By Slow IV Inj: 

  • Adult: 5 Units Immediately After Delivery 

Prevention Of Postpartum Haemorrhage After Delivery Of Placenta: 

By Slow IV Inj: 

  • Adult: 5 Units, If Infusion was Previously Used For Induction Or Enhancement Of Labour, Increase the Rate During the Third Stage And For the Next Few Hours 

By IM Inj: 

  • Adult: 10 Units, Can Be Used Instead Of Oxytocin With Ergometrine 

Treatment Of Postpartum Haemorrhage: 

By Slow IV Inj: 

  • Adult: 5 Units, Repeated If Necessary 

Treatment Of Severe Cases Of Postpartum Haemorrhage (following IV Injection): Byiv Infusion: 

  • Adult: 40 Units, Given In 500ml Infusion Fluid At A Rate Sufficient To Control Uterine Atony 

Incomplete, Inevitable, Or Missed Miscarriage: 

By Slow IV Inj: 

  • Adult: 5 Units, Followed By (IV Infusion) 0.02-0.04 Unit/minute If Required, At Faster Rate Of Infusion If Necessary

Content

  • Inj 5 Iu /10 Iu: Per ml: Synthetic Oxytocin 5 Iu /10 Iu.
  • Inj 2 Iu: Per 2 ml: Synthetic Oxytocin 2 Iu.

Pregnancy

Consult with Doctor Or Caution Advised

Stability

  • Oxytocic

Contra Indications

  • Condition Where Spontaneous Labouror Vaginal Delivery Inadvisable, Avoid Iv Injection During Labour, Avoid Prolonged Administration In Oxytocin-resistant Uterine Inertia, Avoid Rapid Iv Injection (may Transiently Reduce Blood Pressure), Fetal Distress (discontinue Immediately), Hypertonicuterine Contractions (discontinue Immediately), Severe Cardiovascular Disease, Severe Preeclamptic Toxaemia

Precautions

  • Condition Where Spontaneous Labouror Vaginal Delivery Inadvisable, Avoid Iv Injection During Labour, Avoid Prolonged Administration In Oxytocin-resistant Uterine Inertia, Avoid Rapid Iv Injection (may Transiently Reduce Blood Pressure), Fetal Distress (discontinue Immediately), Hypertonicuterine Contractions (discontinue Immediately), Severe Cardiovascular Disease, Severe Preeclamptic Toxaemia

Lactation

  • Consult with Doctor Or Caution Advised

Side Effects

  • Arrhythmia
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomitin
  • Rare: Anaphylactoid Reactions; Dyspnoea
  • Hypotension
  • Or Shock
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
  • Hyponatraemia Associated With High Doses With Large Infusion Volumes Of Electrolyte-free Fluid
  • Rash
  • Uterine Hyperstimulation With Excessive Doses; May Cause Fetal Distress
  • Asphyxia
  • And Death
  • Or May Lead To Hypertonicity
  • Tetanic Contractions
  • Soft-tissue Damage Or Uterine Rupture
  • Uterine Spasm (may Occur At Low Doses)
  • Water Intoxication Associated With High Doses With Large Infusion Volumes Of Electrolyte-free Fluid. Placental Abruption And Amniotic Fluid Embolism Reported On Overdose.

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