Oxytocin

Question 1

What is the brand/trade name for oxytocin?

Answer 1

• Pitocin

_{Anesthesia Guidebook - Episode 19: Anesthesia Top Drawer Run Down - Part 3
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Question 2

What is the pharmacologic category/class of oxytocin?

Answer 2

• Uterotonic
• Posterior pituitary hormone, synthetic

_{Anesthesia Guidebook - Episode 19: Anesthesia Top Drawer Run Down - Part 3
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Question 3

What is the mechanism of action of oxytocin?

Answer 3

• binds to oxytocin receptors in uterine muscle, increasing intracellular caclium and stimulating contractions

_{Anesthesia Guidebook - Episode 19: Anesthesia Top Drawer Run Down - Part 3
UpToDate - Oxytocin: Drug Information}

Question 4

What is the most common indication for use of oxytocin by anesthesia providers?

Answer 4

• Prevention or treatment of postpartum uterine atony & hemorrhage

_{Anesthesia Guidebook - Episode 19: Anesthesia Top Drawer Run Down - Part 3
UpToDate - Oxytocin: Drug Information}

Question 5

What is the dose of oxytocin for prevention or treatment of uterine atony & hemorrhage?

IM & IV dosing

Answer 5

• 10 units IM if no IV access
• 1-3 units slow IV bolus
  AND/OR
• 20-60 units mixed into 1L bag of fluids run wide open

larger doses needed if used during labor - d/t receptor downregulation

_{Anesthesia Guidebook - Episode 19: Anesthesia Top Drawer Run Down - Part 3
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Question 6

What is the onset of action for oxytocin?

IV & IM

Answer 6

• IV = ~1 minute
• IM = 3-5 minutes

_{Anesthesia Guidebook - Episode 19: Anesthesia Top Drawer Run Down - Part 3
UpToDate - Oxytocin: Drug Information}

Question 7

What is the duration of action for oxytocin?

IV & IM

Answer 7

• IV = 1 hour
• IM = 2-3 hours

_{Anesthesia Guidebook - Episode 19: Anesthesia Top Drawer Run Down - Part 3
UpToDate - Oxytocin: Drug Information}