OXYTOCIN

Oxytocin, Pitocin
Description: Oxytocic Agent

“ALERT: US Boxed Warning
Appropriate use:
Elective induction of labour is defined as the initiation of labour in a pregnant individual who has no medical indications for induction. Since the available data are inadequate to evaluate the benefits-to-risks considerations, oxytocin is not indicated for elective induction of labour.”

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship

How Does It Work

Oxytocin is a hormone secreted by the hypothalamus and stimulates the contraction of uterine muscle during gestation and milk ejection through a neurohormonal reflex. Oxytocin also released during sexual intercourse in both men and women which has led researchers to coin it as the sexual bonding hormone.

Indications For Use

Antepartum and postpartum, breastfeeding, anorgasmia, post-orgasmic penile detumescence, intensifying sexual arousal.

Precautions

Do not use in patients with a known hypersensitivity to oxytocin or any component of the formulation.
Do not use if there is a cephalopelvic disproportion; unfavourable fetal position; hypertonic or hyperactive uterus; obstetrical emergencies where surgical intervention if favored.
Do not use in cases of severe toxemia; premature or unripe cervix; uterine rupture, previous caesarian delivery; prolonged uterine inertia; factors predisposing to thromboplastin or amniotic fluid embolism.
Can cause severe water intoxication when administered in large doses.
Use with caution in hemodynamically unstable patients.

Usual Dosing

Usual (IV): Administration requires the use of an infusion pump. The ideal dosing regimen has not been determined and various protocols are available.

Discontinue the oxytocin infusion immediately in the event of uterine hyperactivity and/or fetal distress. If uterine contractions become too powerful, the infusion can be stopped abruptly. Infuse 0.5 to 1 milliunits/minute; gradually increase the dose in increments of 1 to 2 milliunits/minute every 30 to 60 minutes until desired contraction pattern is established; dose may be decreased by similar increments after the desired frequency of contractions is reached and labour has progressed to 5 to 6 cm dilation.

Pharmacist Tips On Using

Contact Your Doctor if You Ever Experience: allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue and breathing problems. If you experience excessive or continual vaginal bleeding, fast, irregular heart rate. If you feel faint or lightheaded, have high blood pressure, experience a seizure.
If you notice any of these side effects, contact your doctor.

Keep the Medication Refrigerated: Store the medication between 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze and protect
from light.

Side Effects

There is no clear indication of the frequency of side effects which may include:
Cardiovascular: Cardiac arrhythmias, hypertensive crisis, hypotension, subarachnoid hemorrhage, tachycardia, ventricular premature contractions.
Endocrine and Metabolic: Water intoxication.
Gastrointestinal: Nausea and Vomiting Genitourinary: Postpartum hemorrhage, uterine rupture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if the side effects are not tolerable?
If the side effects are causing a lot of distress speak to our physician as soon as possible to discuss options.