oxytocin

Generic Name: oxytocin (ox e TOW sin)

Brand Names: Pitocin, Syntocinon

What is oxytocin?

Oxytocin is a natural hormone that causes the uterus to contract.

Oxytocin is used to induce labor, strengthen labor contractions during childbirth, control bleeding after childbirth, or to induce an abortion.

Oxytocin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about oxytocin?

Oxytocin should be administered as an injection into a muscle or intravenously by a healthcare provider. It should be administered in a clinical setting where a healthcare provider can monitor uterine contractions and other vital signs (blood pressure, heart rates) and where an emergency situation can be handled properly.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using oxytocin?

Do not take oxytocin without first talking to your doctor if you

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  have or have had cervical cancer;

  
  


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  have an allergy to oxytocin, other medications, dyes, foods, or preservatives;

  
  


• have eclampsia;


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  have herpes;

  
  


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  have had more than 7 pregnancies;

  
  


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  are experiencing premature labor;

  
  


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  have had a caesarean section (C-section);

  
  


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  have had any surgery on the cervix or uterus;

  
  


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  have a prolapsed uterus; or

  
  


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  have a breech, placenta previa or any other issues with the fetus or umbilical cord.

  
  

You may not be able to use oxytocin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Tell your doctor about all prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products that your are taking.

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or caffeine drinks regularly, if you are a smoker or if you use illegal drugs. These factors can affect the way oxytocin works in your body.

There are no known indications for the use of oxytocin in the first or second trimester of pregnancy other than in relation to spontaneous or induced abortion. Based on the wide experience with this drug and its properties, it would not be expected to present a risk of harm to the baby when used as indicated under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional. Ask your doctor to answer any questions you have about the use of oxytocin and your pregnancy. Do not use oxytocin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use oxytocin?

Oxytocin should be administered as an injection into a muscle or intravenously by a healthcare provider. It should be administered in a clinical setting where a healthcare provider can monitor uterine contractions and other vital signs (blood pressure, heart rates) and where an emergency situation can be handled properly.

Your healthcare provider will store oxytocin as directed by the manufacturer.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since the medication will be administered by a healthcare provider, missing a dose should not occur.

What happens if I overdose?

If an overdose of oxytocin is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Oxytocin should be administered in a clinical setting where a healthcare provider can monitor uterine contractions and other vital signs (blood pressure, heart rates) and where an emergency situation can be handled immediately.

What should I avoid while using oxytocin?

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or caffeine drinks regularly, if you are a smoker or if you use illegal drugs. These factors can affect the way oxytocin works in your body.

Oxytocin side effects

Side effects with oxytocin are not common. Serious side effects include:

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  an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; hives; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting);

  
  


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  difficulty urinating;

  
  


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  chest pain or irregular heart beat;

  
  


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  difficulty breathing;

  
  


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  confusion;

  
  


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  sudden weight gain or excessive swelling;

  
  


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  severe headache;

  
  


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  rash;

  
  


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  excessive vaginal bleeding; or

  
  


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  seizures.

  
  

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience

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  redness or irritation at the injection site;

  
  


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  loss of appetite; or

  
  


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  nausea or vomiting.

  
  

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Oxytocin Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Labor Induction:

Initial dose: 0.5 to 1 milliunits IV infusion per hour. At 30 to 60 minute intervals the dose should be gradually increased in increments of 1 to 2 milliunits until the desired contraction pattern has been established.

Usual Adult Dose for Postpartum Bleeding:

10 to 40 units IV infusion in 1000 mL at a rate sufficient to control bleeding.
10 units IM after delivery of placenta.

Usual Adult Dose for Abortion:

After suction or sharp curettage for an incomplete, inevitable or elective abortion:

10 units in 500 mL IV infusion. Adjust rate to assist uterus in contraction.

After intra-amniotic injection for midtrimester elective abortion:

10 to 20 milliunits per minute IV infusion. The total dose should not exceed 30 units in a 12 hour period due to the risk of water intoxication.

What other drugs will affect oxytocin?

Other drugs can interact with oxytocin resulting in dangerous side effects and/or decreased effectiveness. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, without first talking to your doctor during treatment with oxytocin.

More oxytocin resources

• Oxytocin Side Effects (in more detail)
• Oxytocin Dosage
• Oxytocin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Oxytocin Drug Interactions
• Oxytocin Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Oxytocin - Add your own review/rating

• oxytocin Intravenous, Intramuscular Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Oxytocin Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Oxytocin MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Oxytocin Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Oxytocin Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Pitocin Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Syntocinon Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare oxytocin with other medications

• Abortion
• Labor Induction
• Postpartum Bleeding

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about oxytocin written for health professionals that you may read.

See also: oxytocin side effects (in more detail)