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