Oxytocin

How Supplied

10 units in 2 mL vial

Precautions and Side Effects

Check fundus and blood pressure at least every 15 minutes.

Contraindications

Should not be used to induce labor in the field

Pharmacology and Actions

Duration: up to 30 minutes after infusion

Precautions and Side Effects

Excess oxytocin can cause over stimulation of the uterus and possibly cause it to rupture

Oxytocin class

Hormone

Precautions and Side Effects

Hypertension and tachycardia

O of A

within 1 min

Precautions and Side Effects

Severe and painful uterine cramping may occur from oxytocin administration. MONITOR PATIENT CLOSELY WHILE ADMINISTERING MEDICATION AND TITRATE ACCORDINGLY.

Precautions and Side Effects

ALWAYS consider the presence of a second fetus prior to administration

Dose:

Adult Only: Infuse 10 units in 1000 mL NS over 60 minutes or until vaginal bleeding ceases. If unable to establish IV, administer 3-10 units IM

Precautions and Side Effects

Cardiac dysrhythmias may be precipitated or aggravated by oxytocin.

Pharmacology and Actions

Naturally occurring hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary that causes marked contraction of the uterine smooth muscle and promotes lactation

Contraindications

Never administer while fetus is being delivered, since contractions can rupture uterus or cause death of fetus

Pharmacology and Actions

Normally a neurogenic reflex caused by irritation or stretching of the uterine cervix, as occurs at the end of pregnancy, stimulates release of this hormone

Oxytocin trade name

Pitocin

Indications

Postpartum hemorrhage with hypotension or significant vaginal bleeding after presentation of the placenta, if fundal massage and breast stimulation by the infant are unsuccessful

Precautions and Side Effects

Uterine massage and breast stimulation by nursing infant are the preferred methods of management for post partum hemorrhage