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molecule

Oxytocin

Molecule 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

Uses of Oxytocin

  • Oxytocin is used in pregnant women to induce labour.
  • It can also be used to control bleeding post-delivery.
contraindications

Contraindications of Oxytocin

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
sideEffects

Side effects of Oxytocin

Common side effects of this drug are:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Stomach pain
  • Drowsiness
  • Uneven heartbeats
precautionsAndWarnings

Precautions and Warnings of Oxytocin

pregnancy

Pregnancy

Q:
Can I take oxytocin during pregnancy?
A:
Oxytocin is not given till the estimated date of delivery.
breastfeeding

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

Driving

Q:
Can I drive if I have taken oxytocin?
A:
As oxytocin causes uterine contractions, women should avoid driving.
alcohol

Alcohol

Q:
Can I consume alcohol after taking oxytocin?
A:
It is not advisable to consume alcohol with oxytocin. It may cause unwanted effects.
otherGeneralWarnings

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
modeOfAction

Mode of Action of Oxytocin

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 deli...
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interactions

Interactions of Oxytocin

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...
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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 retenti...
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Content Details

WRITTEN BY
doctor

Dr. Arpit Verma

MBBS, MD CCEBDM Diabetology

REVIEWED BY
doctor

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.
Last Updated on: 10 Feb 2022 | 09:31 AM (IST)

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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.
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