NATIONAL
CALIFORNIA
VENTURA
category
mechanism
- Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions by acting on receptors in the uterus. Oxytocin receptors are not present in the uterus until 13 weeks' gestation and increase as pregnancy progresses and reach maximum concentration at term. Therefore, term pregnancies are more sensitive to lower oxytocin doses.
indications
- To produce uterine contractions to control postpartum bleeding or hemorrhage.
contraindications
- Relative: patients with cardiovascular disease
dosing
IV, IM: 10 units after delivery of the placenta.
administration
Administer by IV or IM. IM administration may be used when IV access is not available. IV push is not recommended; rapid IV bolus administration is associated with cardiovascular collapse. Slow IV injections (5 or 10 units over 1 minute) are preferred for patients without cardiovascular risk factors; very slow injections (>5 minutes) are preferred for patients with cardiovascular risk factors.
onset
IM: 3 to 5 minutes
IV: 1 minute
duration
IM: 2 to 3 hours
IV: 1 hour
notes
- Route: To prevent postpartum hemorrhage, IV is preferred over IM injection.
- Cardiac adverse effects: Adverse effects are lessened with slower IV administration. Adverse effects are increased in patients with cardiovascular disease.
dosage form
IV solution: 10 units/mL (10 mL vial)
brand name
Pitocin
adverse reactions
- Cardiovascular
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Hypertension
- Hypotension
- Gastrointestinal
- Nausea and vomiting
- Genitourinary
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Uterine rupture
structure
