Oxytocin
Labour Inducer/Inhibitor · Oxytocic
Indications
Induction of labour in case of post maturity, premature rupture of membranes or pre-eclampsia. Primary and secondary uterine inertia. Caesarean section. Postpartum haemorrhage, postpartum uterine atony.
Dosage
Adults: Induction or enhancement of labour: IV drip infusion of a 5% dextrose solution containing 1 IU syntocinon per 100 mL. The initial infusion rate of 1-4 milliunits/min equal to 0.1-0.4 mL/min (2-8 drops/min) may be gradually increased until the desired response is achieved (max 20 milliunits/min equal to 2 mL/min) or 40 drops/min) provided the foetal heart rate and the frequency and duration of contractions are carefully monitored. Third stage of labour and puerperium (haemorrhage, subinvolution of the uterus): 5-10 IU IM or 5 IU slowly IV. Caesarean section: 5 IU intramurally after delivery of the foetus. See literature. Children: Not recommended.
Administration
Incomplete or inevitable abortion: Give by IV infusion at a rate of 10-20 milliunits (20-40 drops)/min. Induction or stimulation of labour: IV infusion (drip method) is the only acceptable method of parenteral administration for the induction or stimulation of labour. Accurate control of the rate of infusion flow is essential. An infusion pump or other device and frequent monitoring of strength, frequency and duration of contractions, resting uterine tone and fetal heart rate are necessary for the safe administration of oxytocin for the induction or stimulation of labour. Postpartum uterine bleeding: Give by IV infusion or IM. Reconstitution: Add oxytocin 1 mL (10 units) to 1000 mL of 0.9% aqueous NaCl or RL. The solution contains 10 milliunits/mL (0.01 units/mL). Use a constant infusion pump to accurately control the rate of infusion. Incomplete or inevitable abortion: Add oxytocin 10…
Adverse Effects
Very occasionally prolonged or too rapid infusion of Syntocinon has antidiuretic effects, which may cause transient water intoxication, with headaches and nausea.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Cephalopelvic disproportion, abnormal presentation. Excessive distension of the uterus (e.g. in multiple pregnancy, hydramnios), parity greater than 4, elderly multiparae, previous Caesarean section or other surgery involving the uterus. Severe toxaemia, predisposition to amniotic fluid embolism (foetal death in utero, abruption placentae), hypertonic contractions, placenta previa.
Interactions
Prostaglandins.
Advice to Patient
Check blood pressure regularly during therapy and inform prescriber about changes.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset of action: Uterine contractions: IM: 3-5 min. IV: Approx. 1 min. Duration: IM: 2-3 hrs. IV: 1 hr. Half-life elimination: 1-6 min; reduced in late pregnancy and during lactation. Excretion: Urine.
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
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