CV disorders; >35 yr; lactation. Monitor foetal and maternal heart rate, maternal BP and uterine motility. Monitor fluid intake and output during treatment. Discontinute immediately if the uterus is hypertonic or hyperactive or if there is foetal distress. Use of nasal spray may produce maternal dependence on its effects. IM admin not regularly used due to unpredictable effects of oxytocin. Not to be used for prolonged periods in resistant uterine inertia, severe pre-eclampsia, or severe CV disorders. Risk of water intoxication when used at high doses for prolonged periods.
Lactation: May be distributed milk; commencement of nursing should be delayed for at least 1 day when discontinued; use caution
Indication
Postpartum haemorrhage, Labour induction, Abortion, Facilitate lactation
Contra Indication
Cephalopelvic disproportion; abnormal presentation of the foetus; hydraminios; multiparae; previous caesarian section or other uterine surgery; hyperactive or hypertonic uterus, uterine rupture; contraindicated vaginal delivery (invasive cervical cancer, active genital herpes, prolapse of the cord, cord presentation, total placenta previa or vasa previa); foetal distress where delivery is not imminent; severe pre-eclamptic toxaemia.
Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
Mode of Action
Uterine stimulant, vasopressive, & antidiuretic effects; activates G-protein-coupled receptors that trigger increases in intracellular calcium levels in uterine myofibrils, which results in uterine contractions; increases local prostaglandin production, which further stimulates uterine contraction.
Interaction
Possible severe hypertension if given within 3-4 hr of vasoconstrictor in association with a caudal block anaesthesia. Cyclopropane anaesthesia may increase risk of hypotension and maternal sinus bradycardia with abnormal AV rhythms. Dinoprostone and misoprostol may increase uterotonic effect of oxytocin, thus oxytocin should not be used within 6 hr after admin of vaginal prostaglandins. Concurrent use may increase the vasopressor effect of sympathomimetics.
Potentially Fatal: Concomitant use with prostaglandins increases risk of uterine rupture and cervical lacerations.
Pregnancy Category Note
Pregnancy Category: X
Lactation: May be distributed milk; commencement of nursing should be delayed for at least 1 day when discontinued; use caution
Adult Dose
Intravenous
Adult:
Postpartum Hemorrhage
10-40 units; not to exceed 40 units; to 1000 mL of nonhydrating IV solution and infuse at necessary rate to control uterine atony
Labor Induction
0.5-1 mUnit/min IV, titrate 1-2 mUnit/min q15-60min until contraction pattern reached that is similiar to normal labor (usually 6 mUnits/min); may decrease dose after desired frequency of contraction reached and labor has progressed to 5-6 cm dilation
Incomplete or Inevitable Abortion
10-20 mUnit/min IV; not to exceed 30 units/12 hr
Child Dose
N/A
Renal Dose
N/A
Administration
N/A
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The information provided herein are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. Great effort has been placed to provide accurate and comprehensive data. However, Medicart along with its authors and editors make no representations or warranties and specifically disclaim all liability for any medical information provided on the site. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company.