Oxytocin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What drug oxytocin?

What is Oxytocin for?

Oxytocin is a natural hormone whose function is to make the uterus contract.

Oxytocin is used to induce labor or strengthen labor contractions during delivery, and to control bleeding after delivery. Oxytocin is also used to stimulate uterine contractions in women who are threatened with miscarriage or have miscarried.

Oxytocin may also be used for purposes not mentioned in this medication guide.

How do I use Oxytocin?

Oxytocin is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection at the hospital.

Contractions and other vital signs will be closely monitored by medical personnel when you receive oxytocin. This will help your doctor determine how long you should be on this medication.

During labor, your baby's heart rate will also be monitored with a fetal heart monitor to evaluate the effects of oxytocin on the baby.

How is Oxytocin stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Oxytocin dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the Oxytocin dosage for adults?

Initial dose: IV infusion 0.5-1 milliunits per hour. Intervals of 30-60 minutes can be added increments of 1-2 milliliters until the set pattern of contraction is achieved.

10-14 units of IV infusion at 1,000 mL at a level sufficient to control bleeding. The next 10 IM units after removing the placenta.

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

10 units in 500 mL IV infusion.

Adjust the level to help with contractions in the uterus.

After intra-amniotic injection for elective midtrimester abortion:

10-20 milliunits IV infusion per minute. The total dose should not exceed 30 units within 12 hours because of the risk of water poisoning.

What is the oxytocin dosage for children?

Its safety and effectiveness have not been established in patients under age (less than 18 years).

In what dosage is Oxytocin available?

Solution, injection: 10 units / mL (1 mL, 10 mL, 30 mL, 50 mL)

Oxytocin side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Oxytocin?

Seek medical help right away if you experience an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your doctor right away if you experience serious side effects, such as:

• Fast, slow, or imbalanced heart rate
• Excessive bleeding shortly after delivery
• Headache, dizziness, slurred speech, hallucinations, severe vomiting, severe weakness, muscle cramps, loss of coordination, feeling unstable, seizures, fainting, shortness of breath, or stopping breathing
• Dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, imbalanced heartbeat, seizures)

The side effects are not serious, namely:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Runny nose, sinus pain, or irritation
• Memory problems
• More intense or more frequent contractions (this is the expected effect of oxytocin)

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you are concerned about the side effects please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Oxytocin Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Oxytocin?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Children

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of oxytocin in pediatric patients. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Elderly

No information is available on the relationship between age and the effects of oxytocin in elderly patients.

Is Oxytocin safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Oxytocin Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Oxytocin?

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

Can food or alcohol interact with oxytocin?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with Oxytocin?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Bleeding problems (for example, subarachnoid hemorrhage)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) - can make this condition worse
• Cephalopelvic disproportion
• Cervical cancer
• The fetus is at risk
• Give birth more than five times
• Major surgery on the cervix or cervix (for example, Caesarean section), or history
• Cervical overdistention
• Premature fetus
• Problems with cervical contractions (eg uterine atony, strong cervical contractions)
• Severe toxemia
• Other unfavorable positions or conditions
• Other conditions that may require a C-section (eg, prolapse of the umbilical cord, total placenta previa, vasa previa, or in an emergency) - should not be used in patients with this condition
• Kidney pain - Use with caution. The effect can be increased because the process of removing this drug in the body is slower

Oxytocin overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.