Oxytocin

Question 1

Oxytocin
Type

Answer 1

Synthetic Oxytocic

Question 2

Oxytocin
Action 3

Answer 2

*Oxytocin stimulates receptors in the uterus to cause the muscle fibres to contract.

*When given after the birth, the stimulation causes contractions that aid in shortening the time of the third stage of labour and also decreases the risk of a postpartum haemorrhage. It does this by using the
contractions to detach the placenta from the uterine wall and the continued contraction of the uterine fibres help to expel any blood or clots in the uterine cavity.

*When given to treat a postpartum haemorrhage its main aim is to increase the amount of contractions to help with minimising blood loss

Question 3

Oxytocin
Route Onset Peak Duration
IM
IV

Answer 3

Oxytocin
Route Onset Peak Duration
IM 2-4min N/A 30-60min
IV <1min N/A N/A

Question 4

Oxytocin
Uses 2

Answer 4

OP1 - Maternal post-partum care
OP2 - Post-partum haemorrhage

Question 5

Oxytocin
Adverse Effects
Common
Rare

Answer 5

Common - headache, tachycardia, bradycardia, nausea, vomiting
Rare - Anaphylactoid reaction with dyspnoea, hypotension, shock, rash and arrhythmias

Question 6

Oxytocin
Contraindications

Answer 6

Allergy or hypersensitivity to oxytocin

Question 7

Oxytocin
Indications for
Maternal Post Partum Care
Post partum Haemorrhage

Answer 7

MATERNAL POST PARTUM CARE
Indication: Prophylaxis post childbirth - Paramedics must ensure that all foetuses have been delivered prior to administration

POST-PARTUM HAEMORRHAGE
Dose: IM bolus followed by oxytocin infusion.
Infusion preparation: 10IU (1mL) oxytocin diluted to 60mL with 59mL compound sodium lactate via burette with microdrip (1IU:6mL).

Question 8

Oxytocin
Maternal Post Partum Care
Dose
All Ages

Answer 8

IM 10 IU
Repeat Nil
Max total10 IU

Question 9

Oxytocin
Post partum Haemorrhage
Dose
All Ages

Answer 9

IM
10 IU
Repeat Nil
Max total 10 IU

INF
60 drops/min (10 IU/Hr)
Repeat Once
Max Total 20 IU over 2 hrs