• IV: Induction of labor at term.
• IV: Facilitation of threatened abortion.
• IV, IM: Postpartum control of bleeding after expulsion of the placenta.

Contraindicated in:

• Hypersensitivity
• Anticipated nonvaginal delivery.

Use Cautiously in:

• OB: 1st and 2nd stages of labor; slow infusion over 24 hr has caused water intoxication with seizure and coma or maternal death due to oxytocin's antidiuretic effect.

Maternal adverse reactions are noted for IV use only

CV: maternal: hypotension.
fetal: arrhythmias.

F and E: maternal: hypochloremia, hyponatremia, water intoxication.

GU: maternal: ↑ uterine motility, painful contractions, abruptio placentae, ↓ uterine blood flow.

Neuro: maternal: COMA, SEIZURES.
fetal: INTRACRANIAL HEMORRHAGE.

Resp: fetal: ASPHYXIA, hypoxia.
Misc: hypersensitivity reactions.

Drug-Drug:

• Severe hypertension may occur if oxytocin follows administration of vasopressors.

(Generic available)

• Solution for injection: 10 units/mL;

Induction/Stimulation of Labor

• IV (Adults): 0.5–1 milliunits/min; ↑ by 1–2 milliunits/min every 30–60 min until desired contraction pattern established; dose may be ↓ after desired frequency of contractions is reached and labor has progressed to 5–6 cm dilation.

Postpartum Hemorrhage

• IV (Adults): 10 units infused at 20–40 milliunits/min.
• IM (Adults): 10 units after delivery of placenta.

Incomplete/Inevitable Abortion

• IV (Adults): 10 units at a rate of 20–40 milliunits/min.

Pitocin

• Stimulates uterine smooth muscle, producing uterine contractions similar to those in spontaneous labor.
• Has vasopressor and antidiuretic effects.

• Induction of labor.
• Control of postpartum bleeding.

Therapeutic Classification: hormones

Pharmacologic Classification: oxytocics

Absorption: IV administration results in complete bioavailability.

Distribution: Widely distributed in extracellular fluid. Small amounts reach fetal circulation.

Metabolism/Excretion: Rapidly metabolized by liver and kidneys. Primarily excreted in urine as metabolites.

Half-life: 3–9 min.

(reduction in uterine contractions)

• Explain purpose of oxytocin to patient.
• Advise patient to expect contractions similar to menstrual cramps after administration has started.

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