Drug

Action

Indication/Contraindication

Nsg responsibilities

Indication:
Generic Name:Oxytocin Mechanism of action:
-Initiation or improvement of uterine
contractions to achieve early vaginal
delivery for maternal or fetal reasons
Brand Name: Pitocin,
By direct action on myofibrils, (IV)
Syntocinon
-as adjunctive therapy in the
produces
phasic
contractions
management of inevitable or
characteristic of normal delivery. incomplete abortion (IV)
Classification: Uterine- Promotes milk ejection (letdown) -stimulation of uterine contractions
active agents
reflex in nursing mother, thereby during third stage of labor (IV)
increasing flow (not volume) of -control of postpartum bleeding or
Dosage:
milk; also facilitates flow of milk hemorrhage (IV, IM)
during
period
of
breast
10 units/ml in 1ml engorgement. Uterine sensitivity to Contraindication:
- hypersensitive
ampule,
oxytocin increases during gestation to drug when
period and peaks sharply before vaginal delivery
parturition. Not used for elective is advised
Route: IV/IM
- cephalopelvic
induction of labor.
disproportion is
present
-when delivery
requires
Adverse Reactions:
conversion as
in transverse l
CV:
Hypertension,
increased heart

Continuously monitor contractions, fetal and

maternal heart rate, and maternal blood pressure
and ECG.
Discontinue infusion if uterine hyperactivity
occurs.
Monitor patient extremely closely during first and
second stages of labor because of risk of cervical
laceration, uterine rupture and maternal and fetal
death.
Assess fluid intake and output. Watch for signs
and symptoms of water intoxication.

rate, systemic
venous return,
cardiac output
GI: Nausea,
vomiting
RESPIRATORY:
Anoxia, asphyxia
OTHERS:
Low APGAR
score at 5 mins