Oxytocin
Oxytocin Information

About Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a naturally occuring nonapeptide hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary. It can be extracted from pituitary glands of larger mammals and Oxytocin is prepared commercially by chemical synthesis. It binds to specific receptors in the uterus causing uterine contraction, perticularly when oestrogen levels are high, this action make it useful in the induction of labour when medically mediated. Oxytocin is also used to facilitate the milk-ejection reflex. Oxytocin is given parentrally.

Indications

Oxytocin is primarily indicated in conditions like Duodenal ulcer, Induction of labour, Inevitable abortion, Labor augmentation, Lactation induction, Moderately emetognic chemotherapy or radiotherapy, Postpartum haemorrhage, Postpartuum haemorrhage, Prevention of postpartum haemorrhage, Second trimester intra-uterine death, Severe nausea and vomiting, Uterine atonia.

Contraindication

Oxytocin is contraindicated in conditions like Obstetric,Placenta previa,Uterine hyperactivity.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Oxytocin, which give rise to further complications include Hypotension, Sinus bradycardia, Hypoxia, Neonatal jaundice, Reflex tachycardia, Hematoma, Anaphylaxis.Oxytocin produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Maternal water intoxication, Tetanic uterine contraction. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Oxytocin therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Oxytocin include Uncontrolled uterine contractions, Decreased placental blood flow, Fetal asphyxia.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Oxytocin are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Nausea, Vomiting, Rhinorrhea, Nasal irritation.

Warnings

The induction of labour by means of oxytocin should be attempted only when strictly indicated for medical reasons rather than convenience. It should be administered only under hospital conditions and qualified medical supervision. Oxytocin should not be given parenterally at the same time as oxytocin buccal tablets or the nasal spray.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, Geriatrics, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.