Republic of the Philippines Founded 1907 RA 9299

NEGROS ORIENTAL STATE UNIVERSITY

Dumaguete, Bais, Guihulngan, Mabinay, Pamplona, Siaton and Bayawan-Sta. Catalina
COLLEGE OF NURSING, PHARMACY AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES
IX. OXYTOCIN

a. BRAND NAME: Pitocin, Syntocinon

b. CLASSIFICATION(S): Therapeutic: hormones

Pharmacologic: oxytocics
Pregnancy Category: X

c. MODE OF ACTION: Stimulates uterine smooth muscle, producing uterine contractions similar to those in spontaneous labor.
Stimulates mammary gland smooth muscle, facilitating lactation. Has vasopressor and antidiuretic
effects.

d. THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS: Induction of labor (IV). Milk letdown (intranasal).

e. INDICATIONS: IV: induction of labor at term; facilitation of uterine contractions at term; facilitation of threatened
abortion; postpartum control of bleeding after expulsion of the placenta.

f. ROUTE AND DOSAGE: 0.5 milliunits/min + 10 u IVTT

 Republic of the Philippines Founded 1907 RA 9299

NEGROS ORIENTAL STATE UNIVERSITY

Dumaguete, Bais, Guihulngan, Mabinay, Pamplona, Siaton and Bayawan-Sta. Catalina
COLLEGE OF NURSING, PHARMACY AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

g. SIDE EFFECTS: CNS: maternal – coma, seizures; fetal – intracranial hemorrhage. RESP: fetal – asphyxia, hypoxia. CV:
maternal – hypotension; fetal – arrhythmias. F AND E: maternal – hypochloremia, hyponatremia, water
intoxication. MISC: maternal – increased uterine motility, painful contractions, abruption placentae,
decreased uterine blood flow. Hypersensitivity.

h. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Hypersensitivity, anticipated nonvaginal delivery.

i. NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES/CONSIDERATIONS:

 Fetal maturity, presentation, and pelvic adequacy should be assessed prior to administration of oxytocin for induction of labor.
 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.