Oxytocin

Question 1

Oxytocin Drug Class

Answer 1

Synthetic Oxytocic

Question 2

Oxytocin Action

Answer 2

• Oxytocin stimulates receptors in the uterus to cause the muscle fibres to contract
• When given after birth, the stimulation causes contractions that aid in shortening the time of the third stage of labour and also decreases the risk of a postpartum haemorrhage. It does this by using the contractions to detach the placenta from the uterine wall and the continued contraction of the uterine fibres help to expel any blood or clots in the uterine cavity
• When given to treat a postpartum haemorrhage its main aim is to increase the amount of contractions to help with minimising blood loss

Question 3

Oxytocin Adverse Effects

Answer 3

• Common - headache, tachycardia, bradycardia, nausea, vomiting
• Rare - Anaphylactoid reaction with dyspnoea, hypotension, shock, rash, and arrhythmias

Question 4

Oxytocin Contraindications

Answer 4

Allergy or hypersensitivity

Question 5

Oxytocin Preparation

Answer 5

10IU in 1mL

Question 6

Oxytocin Use

Answer 6

• Maternal postpartum care

- Post-partum haemorrhage