(EP) Oxytocin

Oxytocin

Producer: Euro-Pharmacies

Type: Injection

Unit dosage: 5 mg/vial

Packaging: 1 bottle

Form: Powder

Bioactive agent: Oxytocin

Drug half-life: ~5 to 10 minutes

Category: Neuropeptide hormone

Dosage: 1 to 10 units per day

EFFECTS :

The primary use of oxytocin is as a hormone to stimulate contractions, it also stimulates the flow of milk in lactating women.

• Childbirth: Facilitating uterine contractions during labor.
• Lactation: Stimulating milk ejection during breastfeeding
• Social and Emotional Benefits: Increased social bonding, trust, and intimacy.
• Stress Reduction: Help in reducing stress and overall health welfare.

DOSE AND DURATION OF USE:

Dosage varies based on medical indications:

• Inducing Labor: Begin at 0.5 to 2 mU/min, ↑ 1 to 2 mU/min q15–60 min until satisfactory contractions.
• Postpartum Hemorrhage Control: Bolus 10 IU over 1-2 minutes, then start an infusion rate of 20-40 IU in 1L or IV solution.
• Milk Let-Down Stimulation: Intranasal spray containing 40 IU/mL, with 1 to 2 sprays per nostril as the typical dose.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS:

Administration of oxytocin can cause;

• Uterine Hyperstimulation: When the uterus contracts too much so that labor takes place for hours
• Fetal Distress: Detrimental to the Fetus.
• Water Intoxication: antidiuretic effects.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea and Vomiting
• Headaches are also common in some of the patients.
• Hypotension: Change Blood pressure 
• Allergic Reactions: Hypersensitivity may occur, but infrequent.

COMBINATION WITH OTHER DRUGS:

Oxytocin may interact with:

• NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): May First suppression of NSAID effects.
• Vasopressors: Additive arterial vasoconstriction effects.
• Beta-Blockers: Possible interaction affecting cardiovascular response.
• Magnesium Sulfate: May interact with uterine activity
• Other Uterotonic Agents: Additive effects on uterine contractions.

It is important to inform healthcare providers about all drugs that are currently being taken, so that oxytocin can be used safely and without adverse effects and with the expected treatment result.