Oxytocin is an oxytocin hormone preparation that is used to launch the labor process. This drug is available in the form of a liquid injection (injection) and a nasal spray.
In addition, oxytocin can also trigger the release of breast milk. Oxytocin hormone preparations have a function similar to the natural oxytocin hormone produced by the body. Oxytocin is naturally produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. This hormone can reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and cause muscle contractions.
Oxytocin trademark: Induxin, Oxyla, Protocin, Santocyn, or Tiacinon.
What's that Oxytocin?
| group | Synthetic hormone |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Trigger uterine contractions or increase their intensity during labor, control bleeding after delivery, and help milk out |
| Used by | Mature |
| Oxytocin for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether oxytocin can be absorbed through breast milk or not. However, this drug does not usually cause harmful effects to a nursing newborn. |
| Drug form | Nasal injections and sprays (nasal spray) |
Warnings Before Using Oxytocin:
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from a uterine infection, genital herpes, or cervical cancer.
- Tell your doctor if you have hypertension or heart problems.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you have a narrow pelvis, have had difficulty giving birth due to a narrow pelvis, or have had surgery on the uterus, including a caesarean section.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including herbal products or supplements.
- Be careful and avoid the use of oxytocin to assist delivery with the position of the fetus, the umbilical cord, or the position of the placenta, is not normal.
- If you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking oxytocin, tell your doctor right away.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Oxytocin
The dose of oxytocin given varies depending on the purpose of administration. The following are general doses of oxytocin in adults based on function:
For Mrelieve postpartum hemorrhage
- Dosage: 10–40 units of oxytocin put in a 1 liter infusion.
For labor induction
- Initial dose: 1–2 milliunits/minute, the dose may be increased at intervals of at least 30 minutes, until 3–4 contractions are achieved in 10 minutes.
- Maximum dose: not to exceed 32 milliunits/minute, with the total units administered in 1 day not exceeding 5 units. The dose will be reduced slowly as labor progresses.
For breastfeeding induction
- Dosage: 1 spray (4 units) into 1 nostril, which is done 5 minutes before the mother starts breastfeeding the baby.
How to use Oxytocin correctly
Oxytocin can only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Oxytocin in the form of an injection or a nasal spray is usually given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. While using this medicine, follow the instructions and advice given by your doctor.
Oxytocin can be stored at room temperature. However, to maintain the quality and effectiveness of the drug, store oxytocin in the refrigerator at 2–8°C.
Pay attention to the condition of oxytocin before use. Oxytocin liquid should be clear and without particles in it. If the liquid has changed color, contains particles, or the packaging is leaking, do not use it and replace it with a new one.
Oxytocin Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several drug interactions that can occur if oxytocin is used with other drugs, namely:
- Increases the risk of developing severe hypertension if oxytocin is given 3-4 hours after the use of drugs that work by constricting blood vessels (vasoconstrictor)
- Increases the risk of hypotension and sinus bradycardia in pregnant women if oxytocin is given concurrently with cyclopropane anesthesia
- Increase the effectiveness of oxytocin and increase the risk of uterine rupture (uterine rupture) when used with dinoprostone, misoprostol, or another prostaglandin analog
Side Effects and Dangers Oxytocin
Some of the possible side effects of taking oxytocin are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Excessive uterine contractions
- Tachycardia
- Nose irritation
- uterine bleeding
Tell your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction or develop any of the following after taking oxytocin:
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Severe headache
- Blurred vision
- A pulsating feeling in the neck or ears
- The body looks swollen and feels weak
- Unable to maintain body balance
- Bleeding more than usual after giving birth
Side effects can also be felt by the fetus or newborn due to the use of oxytocin by pregnant women. These side effects include:
- Jaundice (jaundice)
- Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
- Bradycardia
- Hypoxia
- Damage to the brain and central nervous system
- Seizures
- retinal hemorrhage