What is this medicine?
OXYTOCIN (ox i TOE sin) is a man-made form of a natural hormone. It works by causing the uterus to contract. It is used to increase the strength of contractions of the uterus. It can be used during childbirth to speed delivery or after childbirth to control bleeding. It is also used clear the uterus after an incomplete abortion or miscarriage.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- breathing problems
- excessive or continuing vaginal bleeding
- fast, irregular heartbeat
- feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
- high blood pressure
- seizures
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual swelling, sudden weight gain
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- headache
- nausea and vomiting
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
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What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
- dinoprostone, prostaglandin E2
- medicines for blood pressure
- medicines used for sleep during surgery
- other medicines to contract the uterus
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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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 should I watch for while using this medicine?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- any condition where vaginal childbirth is unwanted like cervical cancer, herpes infection, oversized fetal head
- dangerous position of the fetus, placenta, or umbilical cord
- history of uterine surgery like cesarean section
- pregnant many times before
- uterus over stimulated
- an unusual or allergic reaction to oxytocin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
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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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