Oxytocin Flashcards
Class?
Pituitary hormone, polypeptide, uterine stimulant.
Mechanism of Action?
Binds to oxytocin receptor sites on surface of uterine smooth muscles; increases force and frequency of uterine contractions.
Indications and Field Use?
Postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony.
Contraindications?
Hypersensitivity
Adverse Reactions?
CV: Shock, tachycardia, dysrhythmias
Resp: Anaphylaxis
GI: Nausea and vomiting
GU: If used prior to delivery, can cause uterine rupture, uterine spasm, lacerations, and fetal damage.
Other: Clotting disorders, electrolyte disturbances
Incompatibilities/ Drug Interactions?
None in pre-hospital arena
Adult Dosage?
Postpartum hemorrhage: 10-20 USP units added to 1000 mL NS or LR and run at a rate necessary to control uterine atony or 10 USP units may be given IM after delivery of placenta.
Pediatric Dosage?
Not applicable
Routes of Administration?
IV infusion, IM
IV infusion on inter-facility transfers requires infusion pump
Onset of Action?
Seconds
Peak Effects?
Variable
Duration of Action?
1 hour after discontinued
AZ Drug Box Minimum Supply?
Optional: 10 units
Special Notes?
- Post-partum hemorrhage is defined as blood loss in excess of 500 ml at delivery and during the first 24 hours after delivery. It should be remembered that 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.
- In addition to oxytocin, fundal massage is also indicated to remove clot formation and stimulate uterine contraction.
- IV fluids are necessary to correct hypovolemia; if post partum hemorrhage is due to other cases such as vaginal or cervical lacerations or retained placental fragments, oxytocin and fundal massage will not be effective.
- Oxytocin is an optional drug.
