Group 8 - Oxytocin (Pitocin)

Question 1

Oxytocin (Pitocin)

Drug Class?

Answer 1

Oxytocin (Pitocin) Drug Class:

• Pituitary Hormone
• Uterine Stimulant

Question 2

Oxytocin (Pitocin)

Mechanism of Action (MOA)?

Answer 2

Oxytocin (Pitocin) MOA:

• Binds to oxytocin receptors on surface of uterine smooth muscles
• Increases force and frequency of uterine contractions

Question 3

Oxytocin (Pitocin)

Indications?

Answer 3

Oxytocin (Pitocin) Indications:

• Postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony (loss of muscle tone)

Question 4

Oxytocin (Pitocin)

Contraindications?

Answer 4

Oxytocin (Pitocin) Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity

Question 5

Oxytocin (Pitocin)

Adverse Reactions?

Answer 5

Oxytocin (Pitocin) Adverse Reactions:

• CV: Shock, Tachycardia, Dysrhythmias
• Resp: Anaphylaxis
• GI: Nausea and Vomiting
• Other: Clotting disorders, electrolyte disturbances

Question 6

Oxytocin (Pitocin)

Adult Dose?

Answer 6

Oxytocin (Pitocin) Adult Dose:

• 10 - 20 USP units added to 1,000 mL NS or LR and run at a rate to control uterine atony
• Or, 10 USP units IM after delivery of the placenta

Question 7

Oxytocin (Pitocin)

Pediatric Dose?

Answer 7

Oxytocin (Pitocin) Pediatric Dose:

• Not Applicable

Question 8

Oxytocin (Pitocin)

Onset of Action?

Answer 8

Oxytocin (Pitocin) Onset of Action:

• Seconds

Question 9

Oxytocin (Pitocin)

Peak Effects?

Answer 9

Oxytocin (Pitocin) Peak Effects:

• Variable

Question 10

Oxytocin (Pitocin)

Duration of Action?

Answer 10

Oxytocin (Pitocin) Duration of Action:

• 1 hour after discontinued

Question 11

Oxytocin (Pitocin)

AZ Drug Box Minimum Supply?

Answer 11

Oxytocin (Pitocin) AZ Drug Box Minimum Supply:

• Optional: 10 units

Question 12

Oxytocin (Pitocin)

Special Notes?

Answer 12

Oxytocin (Pitocin) Special Notes:

• Postpartum hemorrhage is defined as blood loss in excess of 500 mL at delivery and during the first 24 hours after delivery
• All blood seen at delivery is the mother’s unless there is a spill of cord blood or trauma to the placenta
• Do Not Use if solution is discolored or contains a precipitate
• Fundal massage is also indicated to remove clot formation and stimulate uterine contraction