Oxytocin
Description
Oxytocin is used for inducing labour in full-term pregnant women. It can also b
e used to prevent & control bleeding after childbirth. Oxytocin is available in the form of injection.
Uses
- Oxytocin is used in pregnant women to induce labour.
- It can also be used to control bleeding post-delivery.
Contraindications
When should one not use Oxytocin
- If you are allergic to oxytocin
- If you have problems with your heart or blood circulation
- If you are suffering from a condition called preeclamptic toxaemia (symptoms may include high blood pressure, protein in the urine and swelling)
- If there is an obstruction to normal delivery or normal delivery is not possible
- If you have strong uterine contractions
- If you have been given vaginal prostaglandins
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Drowsiness
- Uneven heartbeats
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take oxytocin during pregnancy?
A:
Oxytocin is not given till the estimated date of delivery.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take oxytocin while breastfeeding?
A:
Oxytocin can pass into breast milk in small amounts but adverse effects in breastfed babies do not occur as the baby’s digestive system make it ineffective.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have taken oxytocin?
A:
As oxytocin causes uterine contractions, women should avoid driving.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol after taking oxytocin?
A:
It is not advisable to consume alcohol with oxytocin. It may cause unwanted effects.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have a history of caesarean section
- You have chest pain
- You have pre-existing heart disease, blood circulation problems, high blood pressure or kidney disease
- Your age is more than 35 years
- If normal delivery is difficult
- You had complications during your pregnancy
- Duration of your pregnancy is more than 40 weeks
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Oxytocin works by stimulating the uterine walls of the women, causing uterine contractions by changing the calcium concentrations in the uterine muscle cells. This induces labour and the child is delivered....
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
Some medicines can affect the way oxytocin works or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.
Prostaglandins, medicines used in epidural anaesthesia, cough and cold medicines containing decongestants, medicines containing caffeine or other stimulant medicines and other hormones used for various medical conditions....
Interactions with food items
It is given only at the time of labour in a hospital setup. Hence, interaction with food is minimal. The doctor should be consulted for any food interactions. Fluid intake should be minimum as retention of fluid in the body may occur....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY

Dr. Arpit Verma
MBBS, MD CCEBDM Diabetology
REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How does Oxytocin work?
A: Oxytocin works by stimulating the uterine walls of the women, causing uterine contractions by changing the calcium concentrations in the uterine muscle cells. This induces labour and the child is delivered.
Q: In which all dosage forms is Oxytocin available?
A: Oxytocin is available in the form of injection.
References
View All
- Oxytocin 10 IU/ml Concentrate for Solution for Infusion - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2021 [cited 7 February 2022]
- Oxytocin 10 IU/ml Concentrate for Solution for Infusion - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (emc) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2021 [cited 7 February 2022]
- Oxytocin [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021 [cited 7 February 2022]
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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
Medicines containing Oxytocin
SYNTHETIC OXYTOCIN 100IU VIAL OF 10ML SOLUTION FOR INJECTION
By NOVARTIS INDIA LTD
10ml Solution For Injection in Vial
We do not sell this product
PARTOCIN 5IU INJECTION 1ML
By ASTRAZENECA PHARMA INDIA LTD
1ml Injection in Ampoule
We do not sell this product
PITOCIN AMPOULE OF 0.5ML INJECTION
By PFIZER LIMITED
0.5ml Injection in Ampoule
We do not sell this product
PITOCIN AMPOULE OF 1ML INJECTION
By PFIZER LIMITED
1ml Injection in Ampoule
We do not sell this product
SYNTOCINON INJECTION 1ML
By NOVARTIS INDIA LTD
1ml Injection
We do not sell this product
UNITOCIN 10IU VIAL OF 1ML SOLUTION FOR INJECTION
By TORRENT PHARMACEUTICALS LTD
1ml Solution For Injection in Vial
We do not sell this product
SYNTHOTIL 5IU VIAL OF 1ML SOLUTION FOR INJECTION
By TABLETS INDIA LTD
1ml Solution For Injection in Vial
We do not sell this product
BIOTOCIN INJECTION
By ZYDUS HEALTHCARE LIMITED
1ml Injection in Ampoule
We do not sell this product
PARTOCIN 10IU INJECTION 1ML
By ASTRAZENECA PHARMA INDIA LTD
1ml Injection in Ampoule
We do not sell this product
EVATOCIN 5IU INJECTION 1ML
By NEON LABORATORIES LIMITED
1ml Injection in Ampoule
We do not sell this product