Oxytocin (By injection)
ox-i-TOE-sin
Helps cause or strengthen labor contractions during childbirth. Also helps control bleeding after delivery.
Drug classes
Diagnostic Agent, Fetal Heart Rate Distress, Uterine Stimulant (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Oxytocin is a hormone used to help start or continue labor and to control bleeding after delivery. It is also sometimes used to help milk secretion in breast-feeding.
Oxytocin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
In general, oxytocin should not be used to start labor unless there are specific medical reasons. Be sure you have discussed this with your doctor before receiving this medicine.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals removed Syntocinon® nasal spray from the market in March 1995.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although this use is not included in product labeling, oxytocin is used in certain patients for the following:
Testing the ability of the placenta to support a pregnancy.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to oxytocin.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you have had major surgery on the uterus or cervix or if you had serious complications with a previous delivery.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
High blood pressure Spasms or damage to the uterusPossible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat
Sudden, severe headache
Unusual bleeding or bruising
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
NovaPlus Oxytocin, Pitocin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
