DRUG NAME MECHANISM OF ACTION INDICATION /
CONTRAINDICATION
GENERIC: Works by increasing the INDICATION:
OXYTOCIN concentration of calcium inside Produce uterine contractions
muscle cells that control during the third stage of labor and
BRAND: contraction of the uterus. Increased to control postpartum bleeding or
PITOCIN calcium increases contraction of hemorrhage
the uterus..
THERAPEUTIC CLASS: CONTRAINDICATION:
OXYTOCIC Prolonged use in uterine inertia or
severe toxemia; Hypertonic uterine
PHARMACOLOGIC: patterns; Patients with
EXOGENOUS HORMONE hypersensitivity to the drug;
Induction or augmentation of labor
in those cases where vaginal
delivery is contraindicated, such as
cord presentation or prolapse, total
placenta previa, and vasa previa.
DRUG TO DRUG
INTERACTION:
Acetylsalicylic Acid (aspirin)
Adrenalin (epinephrine)
aspirin
Ativan (lorazepam)
Calcium 600 D (calcium /
vitamin d)
Cipro (ciprofloxacin)
Dextrose (glucose)
dopamine
Hemabate (carboprost)
Lactated Ringers Injection (lvp
solution)
Lasix (furosemide)
Methergine (methylergonovine)
OxyContin (oxycodone)
ADVERSE EFFECT NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
CNS: BEFORE:
Coma, seizures Dx:
a. Monitor older adults for fluid
EENT: and sodium imbalances.
Sinus, pain or irritation, slurred b. Check for allergies.
speech Tx:
a. Perform a thorough physical
CV: assessment to establish
Hypotension, fast, slow, or baseline data before drug
uneven heart rate therapy begins, to determine
the effectiveness of therapy,
GI: and to evaluate for the
Nausea, vomiting occurrence of any adverse
effects associated with drug
SKIN: therapy.
Rash, pruritus, exanthema, b. Restrict amount of drug
itching available to patient.
c. Periodically assess dose.
GU: EDx:
Tetanic uterine contractions, a. Educate client on drug therapy
mpaired uterine blood flow, pelvic to promote compliance.
hematoma, increased uterine b. Insure the patient takes the
motility, uterine rupture medication as prescribed.
DURING:
Dx:
a. Asses mental status for
worsening of depression,
suicidal ideation, anxiety,
social functioning, and/or panic
attack(especially during
initiation of therapy and when
dosage is changed
b. Monitor mood changes.
c. Monitor for adverse effects
 Paracetamol (acetaminophen) Tx:
RhoGAM (rho (d) immune a. Limit drug access if patient is
globulin) suicidal to decrease the risk of
Sildenafil overdose to cause harm.
Vasopressin b. Administer a major portion of
dose at bedtime as ordered if
drowsiness and anticholinergic
effect are severe to decrease
the risk of patient injury.
c. Establish suicide precautions
for severely depressed patients
to decrease the risk of overdose
to cause harm.
d. Assist pt. in taking the
medication.
EDx:
a. Instruct pt. SO to report
diarrhea, nausea, dyspepsia,
insomnia, drowsiness,
dizziness, or persistent
headache to physician.
b. Report diarrhea, nausea,
dyspepsia, insomnia,
drowsiness, dizziness, or
persistent headache to
physician.
c. Inform of drugs and herbs that
can interact
d. Instruct patient to verbalize
feelings and concerns.

AFTER:
Dx:
a. Assess knowledge/teach
patient appropriate use,
interventions to reduce side
effects, and adverse symptoms
to report.
b. Monitor for effectiveness as
exhibited by a decrease in
symptoms.
c. Monitor for side effects.
Tx:
a. Remember that a lot of these
drugs can cause dizziness in
the first few weeks of taking so
take safety precautions.
b. Provide safety measures to
prevent injuries and comfort to
help the patient tolerate drug
effects.
EDx:
a. Monitor patient compliance to
drug therapy.
b. Instruct patient to verbalize
feelings and concerns.