Oxytocin

3 Step Quality
Assurance

Cash on delivery
available

NPPA
Regulated

Molecule Description

Oxytocin is a hormone-based injection used in hospitals to help start or strengthen labour in full-term pregnant women when needed. It works by causing the uterus to contract more effectively, helping with the progression of childbirth. After delivery, doctors may also use Oxytocin to prevent or control excessive bleeding by helping the uterus tighten and return to its normal size. Since it acts strongly on the uterus, Oxytocin is always given under careful medical supervision, with continuous monitoring of both the mother and the baby to ensure safety and proper response.

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

Oxytocin is not given till the estimated date of delivery.

Breast Feeding

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

As oxytocin causes uterine contractions, women should avoid driving.

Alcohol

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Oxytocin is available in the form of injection.

Articles

View All

Did you find this helpful?

References:

Explore More at Pharmeasy

Why trust PharmEasy?

# ONE OF INDIA'S MOST TRUSTED HEALTHCARE PLATFORM

CODAvailable

100%Genuine Medicine

30 DAYReturn Policy

Making medicines affordable, authentic, and easily accessible across India

700+100% Genuine & verified medicines

70,000+Medicine orders everyday

70 MillionTotal customer served

70 MillionDelivery hubs & fulfillment centre

7000Trained & trusted delivery partners