Class
Description
Onset and Duration
Indications
Contraindications
Adverse Reactions
Drug Interactions
How Supplied
Dosage and Administration
Special Considerations
Hormone
Oxytocin means "rapid birth." It is a synthetic hormone named for the natural posterior pituitary hormone. It stimulates uterine smooth muscle contractions indirectly and helps expedite the normal contractions of spontaneous labor. As in all significant uterine contractions, there is a transient reduction in uterine blood flow. Oxytocin also stimulates the mammary glands to increase lactation without increasing the production of milk. The drug is administered in the prehospital setting to control postpartum bleeding.
Postpartum hemorrhage after infant and placental delivery
Presence of a second fetus
Hypotension or hypertension
Tachycardia
Dysrhythmias
Angina pectoris
Anxiety
Seizure
Nausea and vomiting
Allergic reaction
Uterine rupture (from excessive administration)
Other vasopressors may potentiate hypertension.
10 USP units/1-ml ampule (10 U/ml) and prefilled syringe
5 USP units/1-ml ampule (5 U/ml) and prefilled syringe
Pregnancy safety: NA.
Vital signs (including fetal heart rate) and uterine tone should be closely monitored