Oxytocin
Also sold as: Syntocinon, Pitocin
Prescription neededPregnancy and birth (hospital use)
Comes as:InjectionDrip (infusion)
Usual adult dose
Given only by a trained health worker in a health facility. To prevent heavy bleeding after birth: 10 units into the muscle right after the baby is born. For starting or speeding up labour it is given by slow drip with close monitoring.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- nausea
- vomiting
- headache
- strong contractions
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- very strong or non-stop contractions
- changes in the baby heartbeat
- severe headache with confusion or seizures (water overload)
- severe allergic reaction
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Must never be used at home or without monitoring
- Baby in a position that cannot be born normally, or signs of baby distress
- Placenta covering the cervix, or previous major uterine surgery (doctor decides)
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Moderate1 medicineTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Misoprostol
Using both during labour can cause excessive contractions; they are combined only under close monitoring.