Prototype Drug Unit 3 & 4- Oxytocin Flashcards
Therapeutic classification
Drug to induce labor, uterine stimulate
Pharmacologic classification
Hormone, oxytocic
Therapeutic effects and uses
Drug of choice for inducing labor. Should be administered after the cervix is dilated, membranes have ruptured, and presentation of the fetus has occurred
Mechanism of action
Increases the intensity and frequency of uterine smooth muscle contractions. When stimulated by sucking oxytocin causes smooth muscle in alveolar ducts to contract, thus ejecting milk from the breast
Route
IV or IM
Absorption
destroyed in the GI tract
Distribution
Widely distributed in the extracellular fluid; small amounts may cross the placenta; secreted in breast milk
Primary metabolism
Rapidly destroyed in the kidney and the liver
Excretion
Small amounts via email
Adverse effects
rapid, painful uterine contractions and fetal tachycardia
Black Box Warning
Oxytocin is not indicated for the elective induction of labor. Elective induction is the initiation of labor in a pregnant patient who has no medical indications for induction.
Contraindications/Precautions
Antidiuretic effect and care must be taken to avoid water intoxication. Oxytocin is contraindicated when there is evidence of fetal distress, placenta previa, uterine prolapse, active herpes infection, abnormal fetal position, and cervical cancer. Breast-feeding should be delayed for at least 24 hours after the drug is discontinued
Drug interactions
Vasoconstrictors cause sever hypertension. Oxytocin may cause adverse cardiovascular effects when taken with fibrinolysin, warfarin, and cyclopropane anesthesia
Herbal/food interactions
Ephedra used with oxytocin may lead to hypertension
Pregnancy Category
X
