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Oxytocin

Information about Oxytocin

Oxytocin Uses

Oxytocin is used for induction of labour. It may also be used to control post-delivery bleeding.

How Oxytocin works

Oxytocin stimulates the contraction of the uterine muscles during delivery. It also helps to control post-delivery bleeding.

Common side effects of Oxytocin

Vomiting, Headache, Nausea1a, Uterine contractions

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Anuj Saini

MMST, MBBS

Reviewed By

Dr. Varun Gupta

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

26 Oct 2020 | 09:06 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Oxytocin

Expert advice for Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone, which is used in induction of labor.
It is also used to control post-delivery bleeding.
It is given intravenously (into a vein) or intramuscularly (into the muscle) by a doctor or healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic.
Oxytocin may cause temporary uterine contractions for a few days.
Before receiving Oxytocin, you should tell your doctor if you have a history of premature labor, surgery of uterus, or caesarean section.

Frequently asked questions for Oxytocin

Oxytocin

Q. What is Oxytocin and for what it is used for?

Oxytocin is a hormone, produced naturally by the body. As a medicine, it is used to start or improve the contractions during labor (childbirth) process. It may also be used to minimize the bleeding after childbirth.

Q. How and in what dose can it be used?

It is given as an injection, only at the hospital or clinic by the medical healthcare professional. The dose is decided by the doctor, depending on the contraction pattern or the current medical situation of the patient.

Q. Is there any special precaution should I follow?

Your doctor, would take the proper medical history, and evaluate you before giving this medicine. You should tell the detailed medical history to your doctor. Tell to your doctor if you previously had a premature delivery, or c-section, or any other uterine or cervical surgery.

Q. What may be the possible side effects associated with its use?

It may cause a headache, nausea, vomiting and increased in blood pressure. You may also feel increased uterine contractions for some time. However, these conditions are very much manageable in hospital settings.