• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info
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What is oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a natural hormone that causes the uterus to contract. Oxytocin is used to induce labor, strengthen labor contractions during childbirth, control bleeding after childbirth, or to induce an abortion. Oxytocin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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What are the possible side effects of oxytocin?

Side effects with oxytocin are not common. Serious side effects include:

• an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; hives; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting);

• difficulty urinating;

• chest pain or irregular heart beat;

• difficulty breathing;

• confusion;

• sudden weight gain or excessive swelling;

• severe headache;

• rash;

• excessive vaginal bleeding; or

• seizures.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience

• redness or irritation at the injection site;

• loss of appetite; or

• nausea or vomiting.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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How should I use oxytocin?
Oxytocin should be administered as an injection into a muscle or intravenously by a healthcare provider. It should be administered in a clinical setting where a healthcare provider can monitor uterine contractions and other vital signs (blood pressure, heart rates) and where an emergency situation can be handled properly. Your healthcare provider will store oxytocin as directed by the manufacturer.

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What is the most important information I should know about oxytocin?
Oxytocin should be administered as an injection into a muscle or intravenously by a healthcare provider. It should be administered in a clinical setting where a healthcare provider can monitor uterine contractions and other vital signs (blood pressure, heart rates) and where an emergency situation can be handled properly.

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What happens if I miss a dose?
Since the medication will be administered by a healthcare provider, missing a dose should not occur.

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What other drugs will affect oxytocin?
Other drugs can interact with oxytocin resulting in dangerous side effects and/or decreased effectiveness. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, without first talking to your doctor during treatment with oxytocin.

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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Oxytocin has been assigned to a pregnancy category X by the FDA. Animal studies have not been conducted with oxytocin. There are no known indications for use in the first trimester of pregnancy other than in relation to spontaneous or induced abortion. Based on wide experience with this drug and its chemical structure and pharmacological properties, it would not be expected to present a risk of fetal abnormalities when used as indicated.

Oxytocin is present in human milk in small amounts. If it is given to the mother postpartum for hemorrhage, it is recommend that nursing be delayed until the day following oxytocin discontinuation.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

• Substantial cephalopelvic disproportion.
• Unfavorable fetal position or presentation (e.g., transverse lies) undeliverable without conversion before delivery.
• Obstetric emergencies where maternal or fetal risk-to benefit ratio favors surgery.
• Fetal distress when delivery is not imminent.
• Umbilical cord prolapse.
• Uterine activity fails to progress adequately.
• Hyperactive or hypertonic uterus.
• Vaginal delivery is contraindicated (e.g., invasive cervical carcinoma, active genital herpes infection, total placenta previa, vasa previa, cord presentation or prolapse).
• Uterine or cervical scarring from previous cesarean section or major cervical or uterine (e.g., transfundal) surgery.
• Unengaged fetal head.
• History of hypersensitivity to oxytocin or any ingredient in the formulation.

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What does my medication look like?
Oxytocin is available generically and under the brand names Pitocin and Syntocinon. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you have about this medication.

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What happens if I overdose?
If an overdose of oxytocin is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately. Oxytocin should be administered in a clinical setting where a healthcare provider can monitor uterine contractions and other vital signs (blood pressure, heart rates) and where an emergency situation can be handled immediately.

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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using oxytocin?
Do not take oxytocin without first talking to your doctor if you have or have had cervical cancer; have an allergy to oxytocin, other medications, dyes, foods, or preservatives; have eclampsia; have herpes; have had more than 7 pregnancies; are experiencing premature labor; have had a caesarean section (C-section); have had any surgery on the cervix or uterus; have a prolapsed uterus; or have a breech, placenta previa or any other issues with the fetus or umbilical cord. You may not be able to use oxytocin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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