Oxytocin

In Antepartum:

• Induction of labor in patients with a medical indication for the initiation of labor, such as Rh problems, maternal diabetes, (pre-) eclampsia at or near term, when delivery is in the best interests of mother and fetus or when membranes are prematurely ruptured and delivery is indicated; 
• Stimulation or reinforcement of labor, as in selected cases of uterine inertia;
• As adjunctive therapy in the management of incomplete or inevitable abortion. 

In Postpartum:

• Oxytocin is indicated to produce uterine contractions during the third stage of labor and to control postpartum bleeding or hemorrhage.

Uterine motility depends on the formation of the contractile protein actomyosin under the influence of the Ca2+ dependent phosphorylating enzyme myosin light-chain kinase. Oxytocin promotes contractions by increasing the intracellular Ca2+, which in turn activates myosin's light chain kinase. Oxytocin has specific receptors in the muscle lining of the uterus and the receptor concentration increases greatly during pregnancy, reaching a maximum in early labor at term.

Induction or Stimulation of Labor:

• The standard solution for infusion of Oxytocin is prepared by adding the contents of one 1ml vial containing 10 units of Oxytocin to 1000 ml of infusion fluids. The combined solution containing 10 mU (1mU=0.001U) of Oxytocin/ml is rotated in the infusion bottle for thorough mixing.
• The initial dose should be 0.5-1 mU/min (equal to 3-6 ml of the dilute Oxytocin solution per hour). At 30-60 minutes intervals the dose should be gradually increased in increments of 1-2 mU/min until the desired contraction pattern has been established. Once the desired frequency of contractions has been reached and labor has progressed to 5-6 cm dilation, the dose may be reduced by similar increments.
• At term, higher infusion rates should be given with great care and rates exceeding 9-10 mU/min are rarely required.
• Before term, when the sensitivity of the uterus is lower because of a lower concentration of Oxytocin receptors, a higher infusion rate may be required.

Control of Postpartum Uterine Bleeding:

• Intravenous Infusion (Drip Method): To control postpartum bleeding, 10 to 40 units of Oxytocin may be added to the bottle, depending on the amount of infusion fluids solution remaining (maximum 40 units to 1000 ml). Adjust infusion rate to sustain uterine contraction and control uterine atony.
• Intramuscular Administration: 1 mL (10 units) of Oxytocin can be given after the delivery of the placenta.

Treatment of Incomplete or Inevitable Abortion:

• Intravenous infusion of 10 units of Oxytocin added to 500 ml of a 0.9% sodium chloride solution may help the uterus contract after a suction or sharp curettage for an incomplete, inevitable or elective abortion.
• Subsequent to intra-amniotic injection of hypertonic saline, prostaglandins, urea etc., for mid trimester elective abortion, the injection-to-abortion time may be shortened by infusion of Oxytocin at the rate of 10 to 20 mU (20 to 40 drops) per minute. The total dose should not exceed 30 units in a 12-hour period due to the risk of water intoxication.

Severe hypertension has been reported when Oxytocin was given three to four hours following prophylactic administration of a vasoconstrictor in conjunction with caudal-block anesthesia. Cyclopropane anesthesia may modify Oxytocin’s cardiovascular effects, so as to produce unexpected results such as hypotension. Maternal sinus bradycardia with abnormal atrioventricular rhythms has also been noted when Oxytocin was used concomitantly with cyclopropane anesthesia.

This drug is contraindicated in- significant cephalopelvic disproportion; unfavorable fetal positions or presentations which are undeliverable without conversion prior to delivery, e.g., transverse lies; in obstetrical emergencies where the benefit-to-risk ratio for either the fetus or the mother favors surgical intervention; in cases of fetal distress where delivery is not imminent; hypertonic uterine patterns; hypersensitivity to the drug. Prolonged use in uterine inertia or severe toxemia is contraindicated. Oxytocin should not be used in cases where vaginal delivery is not indicated.

• Hypersensitivity to the drug may result in uterine hypertonicity, spasm, titanic contraction or rupture of the uterus. 
• The possibility of increased blood loss and afbrinigenemia should be kept in mind when administering the drug.
• Severe water intoxication with convulsions and coma has occurred. 
• Oxytocin may occasionally cause nausea, vomiting, haemorrhage or cardiac arrhythmias, anaphylactic reaction.

Pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Oxytocin is excreted in human milk

Oxytocin should not be administered in the following conditions: prematurity, borderline cephalopelvic disproportion, previous major surgery on the cervix or uterus including caesarean section, overdistention of the uterus, grand multiparity or invasive cervical carcinoma.

Overdosage with Oxytocin depends essentially on uterine hyperactivity whether or not due to hypersensitivity to this agent. Hyperstimulation with strong (hypertonic) or prolonged (tetanic) contractions, or a resting tone of 15 to 20 mm H2O or more between contractions can lead to tumultuous labor, uterine rupture, cervical and vaginal lacerations, postpartum hemorrhage, utero-placental hypoperfusion, and variable deceleration of fetal heart, fetal hypoxia, hypercapnia, or death. Water intoxication with convulsions, which is caused by the inherent antidiuretic effect of Oxytocin, is a serious complication that may occur if large doses (40 to 50 mU/minute) are infused for long periods. Management consists of immediate discontinuation of Oxytocin and symptomatic and supportive therapy.

Drugs acting on the Uterus

Store in between 2 to 8°C, in dark & frost free place. Keep out of the reach of children.