Oxytocin

Question 1

Oxytocin- Name

Answer 1

Pitocin

Question 2

Oxytocin- Class

Answer 2

Hormonal Agent

Question 3

Oxytocin- MoA

Answer 3

Naturally occurring posterior pituitary hormone

 - Stimulates contraction of the uterine smooth muscle
 - Stimulates mammary gland smooth muscle resulting in lactation
 - Increases renal, coronary and cerebral blood flow

Question 4

Oxytocin- Indications

Answer 4

Postpartum hemorrhage after infant and placental delivery that is not controlled by fundal massage or breast feeding

May be used to induce labor in the hospital setting only

Question 5

Oxytocin- Contra

Answer 5

following cesarean section

Question 6

Oxytocin- S/E

Answer 6

Maternal Side Effects:

Cardiovascular: dysrhythmias, chest pain, hypertension

Neurological: seizures

Respiratory: dyspnea

Gastrointestinal: nausea/vomiting

Genitourinary: Severe uterine cramping, uterine rupture

Fetal Side Effects:

Cardiovascular: bradycardia, ectopic rhythms

Neurological: intracranial hemorrhage

Respiratory: hypoxia, asphyxia

Question 7

Oxytocin- Routes

Answer 7

IVPB, IM

Question 8

Oxytocin- A. Dose

Answer 8

3-10 units IM

or 10-20 units in 1L of NS or D5W

titrated to to control of bleeding.

Question 9

Oxytocin- P. Dose

Answer 9

not recommended

Question 10

Oxytocin- EXTRAS

Answer 10

Precautions: Ensure that the baby (babies) and the placenta have been delivered prior to administration to prevent placental retention

Interactions: Use with other vasopressors can increase risk of hypertension

Onset is immediate with IVPB administration, 3-7 minutes IM. Both with unknown durations