Oxytocin

Question 1

What is oxytocin?

Answer 1

Oxytocin (10 IU/1mL ampoule) is a synthetic uterine stimulant that causes uterine contractions by changing calcium concentrations within uterine muscle cells. Oxytocin administered during the 3rd stage of labour assists with placental separation, raises the tone of the uterine musculature and minimises further uterine blood loss.

Metabolised by the liver and excreted by the kidneys.

Onset: 2-4 min
Duration: 30-60 min
Half-life: NA

Question 2

Indications for oxytocin?

Answer 2

1. Active management of the 3rd stage of labour (following confirmed delivery of all fetuses) & the prevention of primary postpartum haemorrhage
2. Management of uncontrolled primary or secondary postpartum haemorrhage

(Primary postpartum haemorrhage is bleeding that occurs in the first 24 hours after delivery, while secondary postpartum haemorrhage is characterised as bleeding that occurs 24 hours to 12 weeks postpartum)

Question 3

Contraindications for oxytocin?

Answer 3

1. Allergy/ADR

2. Undelivered fetuses

Question 4

Precautions for oxytocin?

Answer 4

1. Myocardial ischaemia

2. May potentiate hypotension when administered with analgesia

Question 5

Side effects of oxytocin?

Answer 5

1. Nausea & vomiting
2. Headache
3. Bradycardia
4. Tachycardia

Question 6

What are the doses of oxytocin for an adult?

Answer 6

Active management of the 3rd stage of labour (following confirmed delivery of all fetuses) & the prevention of primary postpartum haemorrhage:
10 IU IM
Single dose only

Management of uncontrolled primary or secondary postpartum haemorrhage:
Loading dose 10 IU IV
Slow push over 2-5 min
May be given in addition to a dose administered for active management of the 3rd stage of labour (following confirmed delivery of all fetuses) & the prevention of primary postpartum haemorrhage

Maintenance dose administered by CCP.