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oxytocin

Generic Pitocin
Used for Labor Induction
Used for Labor Induction

Oxytocin (Pitocin) is used to start or strengthen contractions in the uterus (womb) during childbirth in certain situations. It's also used to control bleeding in the mother after the birth. Oxytocin (Pitocin) is given as an injection by a trained healthcare provider.

Last reviewed on June 21, 2022
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What is Oxytocin (Pitocin)?

How Oxytocin (Pitocin) works

Drug Facts

Common BrandsPitocin
Drug ClassOxytocic agent
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
faqs

Frequently asked questions about Oxytocin (Pitocin)

What is oxytocin (Pitocin) used for?
Oxytocin (Pitocin) is FDA approved to be used in pregnant people to start labor when there is a medical reason to do so (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure, water breaks early) and to help get things moving when natural labor slows down. It can also help produce contractions during the third stage of labor and control bleeding in the mother after the birth. In addition, oxytocin (Pitocin) is an add-on therapy to help push out the pregnancy tissue after certain types of miscarriages (sudden, naturally-occuring loss of an unborn baby before week 20 of pregnancy).
How does oxytocin (Pitocin) work?
Oxytocin (Pitocin) acts like the natural hormone (oxytocin) that's found in the body. This hormone plays a large role in childbirth. It helps trigger contractions (tightening of muscles) in the uterus, which helps move the baby and placenta out of the birth canal. This also helps control bleeding that can happen in the mother after the birth.
Is oxytocin (Pitocin) used for medical abortion?
According to the 2020 National Abortion Federation guidelines for abortion care, oxytocin (Pitocin) may be used off label (not approved by the FDA) for medical abortion after the first trimester in some situations. Medical abortion refers to the use of prescribed medications to end a pregnancy. Oxytocin (Pitocin) is sometimes used when other preferred medications aren't available or shouldn't be used, but isn't preferred since it requires access to a vein for administration and there are other medications proven to work faster and better. Discuss with your provider if using oxytocin (Pitocin) for medical abortion is an option for you.
How is oxytocin (Pitocin) given?
Oxytocin (Pitocin) is typically given as an injection through a vein (intravenously, IV) by a healthcare provider. While you receive the medication for starting or strengthening labor, they'll monitor your contraction pattern to get it similar to that of normal labor. They'll also check your baby's heart rate to make sure your baby isn't stressed. The medication may also be given as an injection into your muscle to help control bleeding after childbirth.
Are there any situations when oxytocin (Pitocin) shouldn't be used?
During your pregnancy, discuss with your providers about your birth plan and if oxytocin (Pitocin) is an option if it's needed. They'll help decide whether the medication can be used in your particular situation. In general, oxytocin (Pitocin) shouldn't be used in emergencies where a cesarean section (C-section) would be safer than using the medication. It also shouldn't be used in cases where vaginal delivery shouldn't happen (e.g., baby is too large to fit through the mother's pelvis, position of the baby makes it difficult to move through the birth canal). Oxytocin (Pitocin) also can't be used long term when labor isn't moving along or if you have high blood pressure during pregnancy.
What are the side effects of oxytocin (Pitocin)?
During your pregnancy, discuss with your provider about the side effects and risks of using oxytocin (Pitocin). Some side effects of the medication that have been reported in the mother include nausea, vomiting, and more seriously, bleeding after childbirth, abnormal heart rhythm, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Side effects reported in newborns thought to be due to the use of oxytocin (Pitocin) in the mother include poor vital signs and physical health shortly after birth (low Apgar score), as well as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes). Other more serious side effects reported in babies include slow heart rate, abnormal heart rhythm, brain damage, and even death; these are thought to be due to having more uterine movements. Your providers will monitor you and your baby closely during treatment.
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interactions

Interactions between Oxytocin (Pitocin) and other drugs

Oxytocin (Pitocin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Oxytocin (Pitocin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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