Pitocin (Oxytocin)

Question 1

Pitocin (Oxytocin) class

Answer 1

Synthetic pituitary hormone/ lactation stimulant

Question 2

Pitocin (Oxytocin) MOA

Answer 2

Milk ejection: contraction of the myoepithelial cells surrounding mammary glands

Uterine contraction: binds to G proteins on surface of uterine myocytes, triggers release of Ca from SR, causes contraction

Also augments AP of uterine smooth muscle

Question 3

Pitocin (Oxytocin) dosage

Answer 3

Continuous infusion: start at 1-2 mU/min

Increase by 1-2 mU/min (up to 40 mU/min) every 15 min until uterine contractions every 2-3 min

Question 4

Pitocin (Oxytocin) characteristics

Answer 4

O: immediate

P: <20 min

D: 20-60 min

Question 5

Pitocin (Oxytocin) E/M

Answer 5

hepatic, renal, & plasma enzyme pathways in parturient

Question 6

Pitocin (Oxytocin) considerations

Answer 6

For induction of labor, use continuous infusion
To prevent uterine atony, infuse slowly 1-3 units over 30 sec
IM inj. to provide sustained contractions in PP period
Can cause arginine vasopressin like activity (H2O intoxication, low Na, & neurological dysfunction) minimize when adm in electrolyte-containing solution
Causing in hypovolemic pts w/ blunted compensatory reflexes (anesthesia)b/c can cause oxytocin-induced hypotension