Oxytocin

Oxytocin is an oxytocin hormone preparation that is used to trigger or strengthen uterine contractions if contractions are weak or do not occur by themselves. This drug is also used to ease bleeding after childbirth.

Oxytocin hormone preparations have similar functions to the natural oxytocin hormone produced by the body. Natural oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus and released into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland in the brain. This hormone has many functions in the body, one of which is to trigger uterine contractions.

During the labor process, contractions are needed so that the baby can come out of the womb. Meanwhile, when labor is completed, uterine contractions are needed to restore the shape of the uterus and stop the bleeding.

In addition to the birthing process, this hormone preparation can also be used in the event of a miscarriage . It is also used to stimulate uterine contractions so that the fetal tissues come out immediately and the bleeding stops.

Brands of oxytocin: Decatosin , Induxin , Oxyla, Oxytocin, Protocin, Santocyn, Syntocinon, Tiacinon.

What is Oxytocin?

Group	Prescription drugs
Category	Synthetic hormones
Benefits	Trigger uterine contractions , control bleeding after giving birth , and help the release of breast milk
Used by	Adults
Oxytocin for pregnant and lactating women	Category X : Studies on experimental animals and humans have shown that this drug can cause uterine contractions that trigger miscarriage. Medicines in this category cannot be used by women who are pregnant or have the possibility of becoming pregnant, except for the purpose of giving birth (when they have entered the early phase of labor). It is not yet known whether oxytocin can be absorbed into breast milk or not. However, this drug usually does not cause harmful effects for breastfeeding newborns.
Drug form	Injection

Warnings Before Using Oxytocin

Before using oxytocin, you need to pay attention to the following things:

Do not use oxytocin if you have an allergy to this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had difficulty giving birth due to a narrow pelvis or underwent surgery on the uterus, including a caesarean section .
If the doctor handling the delivery does not know, inform the doctor if you are experiencing certain pregnancy conditions, such as twin pregnancy, breech baby, placenta previa , polyhydramnios, or placental abruption .
Also tell the doctor if you have had or are suffering from uterine infection, cervical cancer , genital herpes infection , hypertension , or heart disease, such as heart valve abnormalities , coronary heart disease, or cardiomyopathy .
Tell your doctor if you have arrhythmia, abnormal EKG results , or a family history of sudden cardiac arrest at a young age.
Tell your doctor if you are using other drugs, including herbal products or supplements, to anticipate drug interactions.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Immediately report to the doctor if a drug allergic reaction occurs after using oxytocin.

Dosage and Administration of Oxytocin

The dose of oxytocin given varies depending on the purpose of giving it. The following is the general dose of oxytocin use in adults based on the purpose of use:

Condition: Overcome postpartum bleeding

10 units by intramuscular injection and 10–40 units in a 1000 ml infusion

Purpose: Induction of labor , for example in uterine atony

The initial dose is 1-4 milliunits/minute through infusion, the dose can be increased every 20 minutes, until a sufficiently strong and numerous contraction is achieved. The maximum dose is 20 milliunits/minute, with the total number of units given in 1 day not exceeding 5 units.

Purpose: Overcome incomplete miscarriage ( abortus inkomplit ) or unavoidable miscarriage ( abortus insipiens )

The initial dose of 5 units is given by slow injection over 5 minutes. If necessary, it can be followed by an infusion at a rate of 20–40 milliunits/minute.

How to Use Oxytocin Correctly

Oxytocin can only be used on the basis of a doctor's decision. This medicine is available in the form of an injection and is given by a doctor or medical staff under the supervision of a doctor. Medicines can be given by injection into a muscle or by infusion. While using this medicine, follow the instructions and advice given by the doctor.

While using oxytocin, uterine contractions and other vital signs will be closely monitored by the doctor. If you use oxytocin during labor, the baby's heart rate will also be monitored through a monitor to evaluate the effect of oxytocin on the baby.

Oxytocin Interactions with Other Drugs

There are several drug interactions that can occur if oxytocin is used with other drugs, namely:

Increased effectiveness of prostaglandins
Increased risk of heart rhythm disturbances if used together with salbutamol , fluconazole, azithromycin , or ciprofloxacin.
Increased risk of hypertensive crisis if used with dobutamine or epinephrine.
Decreased effectiveness of oxytocin and increased risk of hypotension if used with inhaled anesthetics, such as halothane , sevoflurane, desflurane, or cyclopropane

Side Effects and Dangers of Oxytocin

Some side effects that may occur when using oxytocin are:

Nausea
Vomiting
Excessive uterine contractions
Headache
Low blood pressure
Tachycardia

Oxytocin is given to stimulate uterine contractions. Tell your doctor if you feel unbearable abdominal pain, even when not having a contraction, especially if it is accompanied by a lot of bleeding and the body feels weak.

In addition, immediately inform the doctor if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug or experience more serious side effects, such as: