Oxytocin Flashcards
Oxytocin Mechanism of Action
• Oxytocin is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring hormone oxytocin
which is normally released from the pituitary gland.
• Oxytocin stimulates oxytocin receptors on the uterus, causing increased
uterine contraction and reducing blood loss from the uterus.
Oxytocin indications
Following normal birth.
Postpartum haemorrhage.
Oxytocin contraindications
Known severe allergy
Oxytocin cautions
None
Oxytocin use in pregnancy/breastfeeding
• Safe and should be administered if indicated.
Oxytocin Dosage
• 10 units.
Oxytocin Administration
• Administer IM undiluted. The preferred site is the lateral thigh as this has the best absorption. If this site is not suitable use the lateral upper arm.
• If multiple babies are present administration must occur after delivery of the last baby.
• If oxytocin has already been administered as part of routine treatment
following normal birth, an additional 10 units of oxytocin should be administered (in the other thigh) if postpartum haemorrhage develops.
This may require meeting another vehicle.
Oxytocin Common adverse effects
- Abdominal cramping.
- Tachycardia.
- Flushing.
Oxytocin onset of effect
5-10 minutes.
Oxytocin Duration of effect
• 30-60 minutes.
Oxytocin Preparation
10 IU in 1ml
Oxytocin Pharmacokinetics
• Oxytocin is metabolised in the liver and kidneys.
• There are no significant effects from liver or kidney impairment on acute
administration.
Oxytocin IV administration
• Oxytocin must not be administered IV unless instructed to do so by a lead
maternity carer or a doctor via the Clinical Desk. Oxytocin IV must be given by
infusion because IV boluses carry a high risk of causing hypotension. The dose
and method of administration must be discussed with the lead maternity carer
or doctor, but commonly 10-40 units of oxytocin is placed into a 1 litre bag of
0.9% sodium chloride and administered over 1-4 hours.
