Pitocin is a brand-name prescription drug administered by a healthcare professional to induce labor. Pitocin contains a synthetic version of oxytocin, a natural hormone released by the pituitary gland to stimulate contractions when a baby’s head pushes against the cervix. When injected intravenously, Pitocin does the same thing as oxytocin. It stimulates uterine contractions or strengthens ongoing contractions. When injected into a muscle, Pitocin can help control bleeding after the placenta has been delivered. Pitocin is never self-administered but requires a trained healthcare professional and close monitoring.
Pitocin overview
BRAND NAMES:
Pitocin
Generic Names:
Oxytocin
Uses:
Helps cause or strengthen uterine contractions. Also helps control bleeding after delivery.
Therapeutic Classes:
Labor inducer, oxytocic hormone
Forms:
Injection
How it’s taken:
Intravenous or intramuscular injection
What is Pitocin used for?
The FDA has approved Pitocin injections to induce labor to facilitate childbirth or to terminate a pregnancy. Pitocin injections are also approved to control postpartum bleeding after the placenta has been delivered.
What form(s) does Pitocin come in?
Injection
10 units/mL
What are common Pitocin dosages?
Pitocin is administered as an intravenous infusion by a healthcare professional.
Uterine contractions are monitored electronically during the infusion.
The infusion rate will steadily increase until the target contraction rate is achieved.
Infusion can continue after delivery to control postpartum bleeding.
10 units of Pitocin can be injected into a muscle to control postpartum bleeding.
Pitocin images - What does Pitocin look like?
Pitocin
10ml of 10unit/ml vialPitocin
1ml of 10unit/ml vial
How to take Pitocin
The healthcare provider will prescribe the dose and infusion rate.
This medicine is administered by a healthcare professional as an intravenous infusion.
To control postpartum bleeding, Pitocin may be injected into a muscle.
What to do if you miss a dose of Pitocin
Healthcare professionals will administer Pitocin, so missed doses should not be an issue.
Pitocin contraindications - Who shouldn't take Pitocin?
This medicine is not right for everyone.
You should not receive it if you have had an allergic reaction to oxytocin.
Pitocin warnings
Tell the healthcare provider about all the medical conditions you have and your recent history with medical conditions, particularly:
Any history of serious complications with a previous delivery
Any history of traumatic delivery
Any history of cesarean delivery
Any major surgery of the uterus or cervix
Any problems with your uterus
Pitocin injections can cause serious problems, including:
High blood pressure
Uterus spasms
Uterine rupture
Bleeding
Water intoxication
Death of the fetus or mother (very rare)
Pitocin interactions & what to avoid when taking Pitocin
To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
Pitocin’s most serious drug interactions are with other drugs used for delivery, such as anesthetics and drugs that tighten blood vessels. The healthcare provider is aware of these interactions and will either avoid these drugs or monitor the woman carefully.
Pitocin side effects - How does Pitocin make you feel?
Serious side effects
Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Sudden, severe headache
Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Pitocin can also cause serious side effects in the fetus, including heart rhythm abnormalities and death. Discuss these issues with the healthcare provider in the months preceding the target delivery date.
Less serious side effects
Nausea, vomiting
Sources:
Oxytocin, Cleveland Clinic
Pitocin oxytocin injection, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Pitocin drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR)
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