Oxytocin injection
Oxytocin injection
What is this medicine?
OXYTOCIN (ox i TOE sin) is a man-made form of a natural hormone. It works by causing the uterus to contract. It is used to increase the strength of contractions of the uterus. It can be used during childbirth to speed delivery or after childbirth to control bleeding. It is also used clear the uterus after an incomplete abortion or miscarriage.
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
excessive or continuing vaginal bleeding
fast, irregular heartbeat
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
high blood pressure
seizures
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual swelling, sudden weight gain
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
headache
nausea and vomiting
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
Ephedra, Ma Huang
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
dinoprostone, prostaglandin E2
medicines for blood pressure
medicines used for sleep during surgery
other medicines to contract the uterus
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
any condition where vaginal childbirth is unwanted like cervical cancer, herpes infection, oversized fetal head
dangerous position of the fetus, placenta, or umbilical cord
history of uterine surgery like cesarean section
pregnant many times before
uterus over stimulated
an unusual or allergic reaction to oxytocin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018