Oxytocin Side Effects

Serious Side Effects of Oxytocin

strong or persistent headache
convulsions (seizures)
hypertension (high blood pressure) which may be accompanied by blurry vision, headaches, irregular or fast heart rates, feeling anxious, pain in the chest and trouble breathing
hallucinations, feelings of confusion, or slurred speech
trouble balancing or a decrease in coordination
rapid heart rate or abnormal heart beats
persistent vomiting
infection at the sight of the injection: swelling, tenderness, oozing or drainage, warmth, pain and irritation
signs of a serious allergic reaction: hives, inflammation of the tongue, throat, mouth or face, and difficulty breathing

Common Side Effects

minor irritation or redness of the skin at the sight of the injection
stomach aches, nausea, or vomiting
sinus symptoms: runny nose, nasal irritation, or sinus pain
loss of memory
mild headaches

Warnings & Recalls for Oxytocin

Oxytocin and Pregnancy

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has labeled oxytocin as a pregnancy Category C medication. It has not yet been confirmed whether oxytocin may cause harm to the fetus if taken during pregnancy or if it may pass through breast-milk and harm a nursing child. Oxytocin should only be used during pregnancy to induce labor.

General Warnings

Oxytocin may not be safe for all patients. Let your doctor know about your medical history, including if you:

have any allergies to oxytocin or similar hormones
use or have recently used any medications, vitamins or supplements
have ever given birth prematurely, had placenta previa (a condition causing the placenta to become too close to the cervix area), if the fetus or umbilical cord is in an irregular position before giving birth, or breech position of the fetus
have a history of uterine cancer, herpes, or eclampsia (seizures during pregnancy not related to previous conditions)
have or have ever had a prolapsed uterus (irregular positioning of the uterus) or have had uterine surgery
this medication should NOT be used with Cervidil (dinoprostone topical)

Oxytocin Treatment and Use

Oxytocin | Pitocin is a generic neurohypophysial hormonal medication prescribed to induce the contraction of the uterus and surrounding muscles during labor. Oxytocin may also be effective in reducing the amount of bleeding after the delivery process or prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (a loss of over 500 ml of blood after child birth).

Other uses of oxytocin include the medical induction of an abortion.

How Does Oxytocin Work?

Oxytocin is a naturally occurring hormone secreted by the hypothalamus. This hormone causes an increase in the strength of contractions and decreases bleeding from the uterus during labor.

Oxytocin Dosage Information

Oxytocin is administered by a nurse or healthcare provider as an intravenous (IV) injection or an injection into a muscle area depending on the treatment type. Oxytocin should not be used if the solution contains any particulates or is discolored. Be sure to keep all scheduled appointments with your doctor to ensure safety.

For stimulating labor contractions, doses of 0.5 to 1 milliunits per hour should be used as a starting dosage. Doses may be increased to 1-2 milliunits every half hour
To induce an abortion, 10 unit doses of 500 mL are generally prescribed

Other Names for Oxytocin

Brand name:

Pitocin

Generic name:

Oxytocin Injection