Oxytocin
FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Oxytocin, Pitocin
- Brand Names
- Oxytocin, Pitocin
- Dosage Form
- POWDER
- Product Type
- BULK INGREDIENT
Description
DESCRIPTION Each mL of Oxytocin Injection, USP (synthetic), intended for intravenous infusion or intramuscular injection, possesses an oxytocic activity equivalent to 10 USP Oxytocin Units and contains chlorobutanol anhydrous (chloral derivative) 0.5%. This product may contain up to 12.5% decomposition products/impurities. Oxytocin injection (synthetic) is a sterile, clear, colorless solution of oxytocin in Water for Injection prepared by synthesis. Acetic acid may have been added for pH adjustment (pH 3.0-5.0). The structural formula is: struc
What Is Oxytocin Used For?
INDICATIONS AND USAGE IMPORTANT NOTICE: Oxytocin Injection, USP (synthetic) is indicated for the medical rather than the elective induction of labor. Available data and information are inadequate to define the benefits to risks considerations in the use of the drug product for elective induction. Elective induction of labor is defined as the initiation of labor for convenience in an individual with a term pregnancy who is free of medical indications. Antepartum Oxytocin injection (synthetic) is indicated for the initiation or improvement of uterine contractions, where this is desirable and considered suitable, in order to achieve early vaginal delivery for fetal or maternal reasons. It is indicated for (1) induction of labor in patients with a medical indication for the initiation of labor, such as Rh problems, maternal diabetes, pre-eclampsia at or near term, when delivery is in the best interest of mother and fetus or when membranes are prematurely ruptured and delivery is indicated; (2) stimulation or reinforcement of labor, as in selected cases of uterine inertia; (3) adjunctive therapy in the management of incomplete or inevitable abortion. In the first trimester, curettage is generally considered primary therapy. In second trimester abortion, oxytocin infusion will often be successful in emptying the uterus. Other means of therapy, however, may be required in such cases. Postpartum Oxytocin injection (synthetic) is indicated to produce uterine contractions during the third stage of labor and to control postpartum bleeding or hemorrhage. Antepartum Oxytocin injection (synthetic) is indicated for the initiation or improvement of uterine contractions, where this is desirable and considered suitable, in order to achieve early vaginal delivery for fetal or maternal reasons. It is indicated for (1) induction of labor in patients with a medical indication for the initiation of labor, such as Rh problems, maternal diabetes, pre-eclampsia at or near term, when delivery is in the best interest of mother and fetus or when membranes are prematurely ruptured and delivery is indicated; (2) stimulation or reinforcement of labor, as in selected cases of uterine inertia; (3) adjunctive therapy in the management of incomplete or inevitable abortion. In the first trimester, curettage is generally considered primary therapy. In second trimester abortion, oxytocin infusion will often be successful in emptying the uterus. Other means of therapy, however, may be required in such cases. Postpartum Oxytocin injection (synthetic) is indicated to produce uterine contractions during the third stage of labor and to control postpartum bleeding or hemorrhage.
Dosage and Administration
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Dosage of oxytocin is determined by uterine response. The following dosage information is based upon the various regimens and indications in general use. Induction or Stimulation of Labor Intravenous infusion (drip method) is the only acceptable method of administration for the induction or stimulation of labor. Accurate control of the rate of infusion flow is essential. An infusion pump or other such device and frequent monitoring of strength of contractions and fetal heart rate are necessary for the safe administration of oxytocin for the induction or stimulation of labor. If uterine contractions become too powerful, the infusion can be abruptly stopped, and oxytocic stimulation of the uterine musculature will soon wane. An intravenous infusion of a non-oxytocin containing solution should be started. Physiologic electrolyte solutions should be used except under unusual circumstances. To prepare the usual solution for intravenous infusion–one mL (10 units) is combined aseptically with 1,000 mL of a non-hydrating diluent. The combined solution, rotated in the infusion bottle to insure thorough mixing, contains 10 mU/mL. Add the container with dilute oxytocic solution to the system through the use of a constant infusion pump or other such device to control accurately the rate of infusion. The initial dose should be no more than 1 to 2 mU/min. The dose may be gradually increased in increments of no more than 1 to 2 mU/min., until a contraction pattern has been established which is similar to normal labor. The fetal heart rate, resting uterine tone, and the frequency, duration, and force of contractions should be monitored. The oxytocin infusion should be discontinued immediately in the event of uterine hyperactivity or fetal distress. Oxygen should be administered to the mother. The mother and fetus must be evaluated by the responsible physician. Control of Postpartum Uterine Bleeding Intravenous Infusion ( Drip Method )—To control postpartum bleeding, 10 to 40 units of oxytocin may be added to 1,000 mL of a nonhydrating diluent and run at a rate necessary to control uterine atony. Intramuscular Administration —1 mL (10 units) of oxytocin can be given after delivery of the placenta. Treatment of Incomplete or Inevitable Abortion Intravenous infusion with physiologic saline solution, 500 mL, or 5% dextrose in physiologic saline solution to which 10 units of oxytocin have been added should be infused at a rate of 20 to 40 drops/minute. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Induction or Stimulation of Labor Intravenous infusion (drip method) is the only acceptable method of administration for the induction or stimulation of labor. Accurate control of the rate of infusion flow is essential. An infusion pump or other such device and frequent monitoring of strength of contractions and fetal heart rate are...
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
ADVERSE REACTIONS To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC at 1-800-551-7176 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. The following adverse reactions have been reported in the mother:
Warnings and Precautions
WARNINGS Oxytocin injection (synthetic) when given for induction or stimulation of labor, must be administered only by the intravenous route and with adequate medical supervision in a hospital.
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS Oxytocin injection (synthetic) is contraindicated in any of the following conditions:
Overdosage
OVERDOSAGE Overdosage with oxytocin injection (synthetic) depends essentially on uterine hyperactivity whether or not due to hypersensitivity to this agent. Hyperstimulation with strong (hypertonic) or prolonged (tetanic) contractions, or a resting tone of 15 to 20 mm H 2 O or more between contractions can lead to tumultuous labor, uterine rupture, cervical and vaginal lacerations, postpartum hemorrhage, uteroplacental hypoperfusion and variable deceleration of fetal heart, fetal hypoxia, hypercapnia or death. Water intoxication with convulsions, which is caused by the inherent antidiuretic effect of oxytocin, is a serious complication that may occur if large doses (40 to 50 milliunits/minute) are infused for long periods. Management consists of immediate discontinuation of oxytocin, and symptomatic and supportive therapy.
How Supplied
HOW SUPPLIED Oxytocin Injection, USP (synthetic) is supplied as follows: Product Code Unit of Sale Strength Each NP912011 NDC 63323-012-07 Unit of 25 10 USP Units per mL NDC 63323-012-17 1 mL fill in a 2 mL vial The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex. Discard unused content of vial. Use vial only if the solution is clear and the seal is intact. Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Do not permit to freeze.
About This Information
This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.
What are side effects?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.
What are drug interactions?
Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.