Oxytocin

how is oxytocin supplied?

10 units in 1mL vial

what is the infusion rate of oxytocin?

10-20 units in 1000mL NS IV infusion @ 20-40 milliunits/min titrated

what is the IM dose of oxytocin post placenta delivery?

3-10 units IM

what are the drug interactions with oxytocin?

Other vasopressors may potentiate hypertension

what drug class is oxytocin?

Parenteral hormone

what is another name for oxytocin?

Pitocin

what are the indications for giving oxytocin?

Postpartum hemorrhage after infant and placental delivery

what is the duration of action of oxytocin-peak effect?

variable

what are the contraindications for giving oxytocin?

Hypersensitivity, presence of second fetus, unfavorable fetal position

what are the adverse reactions associated with oxytocin?

Hypotension, hypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmias, angina pectoris; anxiety, seizures, nausea, vomiting, uterine rupture, severe uterine cramping, and anaphylaxis

what is the duration of action of oxytocin-duration?

IM: 30-60 minutes; IV: 20 minutes after infusion is discontinued

what is the duration of action of oxytocin- onset

IM; 3-5 minutes, IV; immediate

what are special considerations when giving oxytocin?

Monitor vital signs closely. Always consider the presence of a second fetus before administration

what pregnancy class is oxytocin?

C

what is oxytocin's mechanism of action?

Synthetic hormone that elicits the same pharmacological response produced by endogenous oxytocin resulting in cervical dilation; increases the sodium permeability of uterine myofibrils, indirectly stimulating contraction of uterine smooth muscle.