Oxytocin

Oxytocin

Uses of oxytocin

Oxytocin is used to induce exacerbation of uterine contractions during childbirth, prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, treatment of incomplete abortion and therapeutic abortions, reduction of milk outflow, diagnosis of fetal distress and diagnosis of uterine-placental insufficiency.

Mechanism of action of oxytocin

The uterus contains oxytocin-sensitive receptors. Tucin stimulates uterine smooth muscle contraction by increasing the concentration of intracellular calcium, and thus, by mimicking normal contractions, induces labor and temporarily slows uterine blood flow. The intensity and extent of uterine contractions increase, leading to dilation and disappearance of the cervical membrane. As the pregnancy progresses and the number of oxytocin receptors increases, the uterine response to oxytocin also increases.

Pharmacokinetics of oxytocin

Drug metabolism is mediated by tissue oxytocinase. Oxytocinase is also present in placenta and plasma. The half-life of the drug is 1-6 minutes. In intramuscular injection, the effect of the drug is after 3-5 minutes and the duration of the effect of the drug is 2-3 hours, and in intravenous injection, the onset of action is immediate and the duration of the effect is one hour.

Contraindications to the use of oxytocin

In the presence of hypertensive uterine contractions, mechanical obstruction to labor, fetal problems, conditions in which vaginal delivery should not take place, uterine resistance to oxytocin, severe preeclampsia or severe cardiovascular disease, and severe renal insufficiency in women. 35 years and women with a history of cesarean section should not be used.

Oxytocin side effects

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Other complications (unspecified percentage):

Cardiovascular: Cardiac arrhythmia, hypertensive crisis, hypotension, spider hemorrhage, tachycardia, premature ventricular contractions
Endocrinology and Metabolism: Water poisoning (severe water poisoning with seizures and coma following a gentle infusion of oxytocin within 24 hours).
Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting
Genitourinary: Postpartum hemorrhage, uterine rupture
Hematology and oncology: Pelvic hematoma
Hypersensitivity reaction: Anaphylaxis