Pitocin (Oxytocin Injection) Drug Center: Guide to Drug Information for Professionals, Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Pitocin

Eclampsia »

What Is Preeclampsia?

Also referred to as toxemia, preeclampsia is a condition that pregnant women can get. It is marked by high blood pressure accompanied with a high level of protein in the urine. Women with preeclampsia will often also have swelling in the feet, legs and hands. Preeclampsia, when present, usually appears during the second half of pregnancy, generally in the latter part of the second or in the third trimesters, although it can occur earlier.

What Is Eclampsia?

Eclampsia is the final and most severe phase of preeclampsia and occurs when preeclampsia is left untreated. In addition to the previously mentioned symptoms, women with eclampsia often have seizures. Eclampsia can cause coma and even death of the mother and baby and can occur before, during or after childbirth.

What Causes Preeclampsia and Eclampsia?

The exact causes of preeclampsia and eclampsia ar...

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Pitocin

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Pitocin Drug Center

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

Prescribing Information

For Patients

Pitocin in Detail with Side Effects

Pitocin (oxytocin injection, USP) is used to induce labor, strengthen labor contractions during childbirth, control bleeding after childbirth, or to induce an abortion. Oxytocin is a natural hormone that causes the uterus to contract. Common side effects include redness or irritation at the injection site, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, cramping, or stomach pain.

Pitocin is administered under a physician's supervision. The initial dose of Pitocin should be 0.5-1 mU/min (equal to 3-6 mL of the dilute oxytocin solution per hour). At 30-60 minute intervals the dose should be gradually increased in increments of 1-2 mU/min until the desired contraction pattern has been established. Pitocin may interact with drugs used in anesthesia, prochlorperazine injection, or warfarin. Tell your doctor all medications you use. Pitocin should be used during pregnancy only if prescribed. There are no known indications for use of this medication in the first 3 months of pregnancy other than in relation to spontaneous or induced abortion. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Our Pitocin (oxytocin injection, USP) Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements, and diseases and conditions articles.

What is Prescribing information?

The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.

Pitocin Prescribing Information: Indications & Dosage

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Elective induction of labor is defined as the initiation of labor in a pregnant individual who has no medical indications for induction. Since the available data are inadequate to evaluate the benefits- to-risks considerations, Pitocin (oxytocin injection) is not indicated for elective induction of labor.

Antepartum: Pitocin (oxytocin injection) is indicated for the initiation or improvement of uterine contractions, where this is desirable and considered suitable for reasons ...

Read the complete drug monograph for Pitocin »

What is Pitocin Prescribing Information?

Drug Description - Indications & Dosage - Side Effects & Drug Interactions - Warnings & Precautions - Contraindications - Medication Guide and More

What is Patient information?

Easy-to-read and understand detailed drug information and pill images for the patient or caregiver from Cerner Multum.

Pitocin Patient Information: Side Effects

Side effects with oxytocin are not common. Serious side effects include:

an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; hives; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting);
difficulty urinating;
chest pain or irregular heart beat;
difficulty breathing;
confusion;
sudden weight gain or excessive swelling;
severe headache;
rash;
excessive vaginal bleeding; or
seizures.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to...

Read the complete patient information for Pitocin »