Oxytocin

Question 1

Oxytocin

Trade Name

Answer 1

Pitocin

Question 2

Oxytocin

Class

Answer 2

Hormone, Uterotonic

Question 3

Oxytocin

Action

Answer 3

Synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin secreted by the posterior pituitary gland that causes rhythmic contractions of uterine smooth muscle, thereby decreasing postpartum hemorrhage; stimulates mammary glands to increase milk let-down

Question 4

Oxytocin

Indications

Answer 4

Postpartum hemorrhage (more than 500 mL), to induce labor (in-hospital use only)

Question 5

Oxytocin

Contraindications

Answer 5

• Hypersensitivity
• Cesarean sections
• Tachysystole

Question 6

Oxytocin

Adult Dose

Answer 6

IVPB: 10–40 units added to 1,000 mL NS or D5W and titrated with pump to effect
IM: 10 units

Question 7

Oxytocin

Side Effect

Answer 7

• N/V
• Hypotension
• Dysrhythmias
• Anaphylaxis

Question 8

Oxytocin

Onset

Answer 8

Immediate (IV),
3–5 minutes (IM)

Question 9

Oxytocin

Duration

Answer 9

• 20 minutes after infusion is discontinued (IV)
• 30–60 minutes (IM)