Precautions and warnings

People with heart and blood vessel problems, those over 35 years old, and breastfeeding mothers should use this medicine carefully. During treatment, keep a close watch on both the baby’s and the mother’s heart rate, the mother’s blood pressure, and how the uterus is contracting. Also, track how much fluid the mother is taking in and putting out. If the uterus becomes too tight or overactive, or if the baby shows any signs of distress, stop the treatment right away. Using the nasal spray version for a long time may cause the mother to become dependent on it. Don’t use the injection method regularly because the effects of oxytocin are unpredictable that way. This medicine shouldn’t be used for a long time if the uterus isn’t responding, or if the mother has severe pre-eclampsia or serious heart disease. Using high doses for long periods can lead to water intoxication (water overload).

Drug Interactions

Giving this medication within 3-4 hours of a vasoconstrictor during a caudal block can cause dangerously high blood pressure. Cyclopropane anesthesia can increase the risk of low blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms in the mother. Using dinoprostone or misoprostol with oxytocin can make the uterus contract too much, so oxytocin should not be given within 6 hours after vaginal prostaglandins. Taking this medication with sympathomimetics may also boost their blood pressure-raising effects.

Serious risk: Taking this medication at the same time as prostaglandins can cause a life-threatening tear (rupture) in the uterus or injury to the cervix.

Contraindications

Cesarean section may be needed in cases such as when the baby is too large to fit through the mother’s pelvis, the baby is not in the right position for birth, there is too much amniotic fluid, the mother has had several previous births, or she has had a previous cesarean or other surgery on the uterus. Other reasons include strong or abnormal uterine contractions, a torn uterus, or situations where vaginal delivery is not safe (such as with invasive cervical cancer, active genital herpes, when the umbilical cord comes out first, total placenta previa, or vasa previa). A cesarean may also be necessary if the baby is in distress and cannot be delivered soon, or if the mother has severe pre-eclampsia.

Mode of actions

This drug stimulates the uterus, raises blood pressure, and reduces urine production. It works by activating certain receptors in the body, causing calcium levels inside the muscle cells of the uterus to rise and resulting in uterine contractions. It also increases the production of prostaglandins in the area, which further helps the uterus contract.

Dosage & Administration

Intravenous
Adjunct in abortion
Adult: 10-20 milliunits/minute. Max total dose: 30 units in a 12-hr period.

Postpartum haemorrhage
Adult: 10-40 units by infusion in 1000 mL of IV fluid at a rate sufficient to control uterine atony.

Labour induction
Adult: 1-2 milliunits/minute, may increase at intervals of at least 30 minutes until a max of 3-4 contractions occur every 10 minutes. Not to exceed 32 milliunits/minute and no more than a total of 5 units should be given in 1 day. Not to be given within 6 hr after admin of vaginal prostaglandins. Monitor uterine contractions and foetal heart rate continuously. Withdraw gradually once labour is progressing.

Oxytocin challenge test for evaluating of foetal distress
Adult: Dilute 5-10 units in 1 L of 5% dextrose inj. Initially, administer the drug in the mother via IV infusion at a rate of 0.5 milliunits/minute. May gradually increase infusion rate at intervals of 15-30 minutes. Max: 20 milliunits/minute. Monitor foetal heart rate and uterine contractions immediately before and during infusion. Discontinue infusion when 3 moderate uterine contractions occur within one 10-minute interval. Compare baseline and oxytocin-induced foetal heart rates. If no change occurs, repeat the test in 1 wk. Termination of pregnancy may be required if a late deceleration in foetal heart rate occurs.

Pregnancy & Lactation

This medicine must not be used during pregnancy. It can be absorbed through the skin and lungs caused can damage your unborn child’s organs and cause congenital disabilities. Strict two effective types of birth control starting one month before and during treatment and for three years after stopping this medicine. Discuss with your doctors if you are not sure which types of birth control are effective for you. You must need to take pregnancy tests regularly during your treatment with this medicine and for at least three years after taking this medicine. If it seems that you do become pregnant stop taking this medicine and call your doctor immediately. If you really become pregnant, miss a menstrual period, or have sex without using two forms of birth control. In some cases, your doctor can prescribe emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy. People on this medicine should not donate blood during the treatment and for three years afterward.

This medicine is also contraindicated breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication and for three years afterward.

Pack Size & Price