Pitocin (Oxytocin Injection) Drug Information: Overdosage and Contraindications

Pill Identifier Search

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...

Read the Eclampsia article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Next »

Pitocin

Stages of Pregnancy Slideshow Pictures

Slideshow of Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Early Pregnancy Symptoms Quiz

font size

OVERDOSE

Overdosage with oxytocin depends essentially on uterine hyperactivity whether or not due to hypersensitivity to this agent. Hyperstimulation with strong (hypertonic) or prolonged (tetanic) contractions, or a resting tone of 15 to 20 mm H₂0 or more between contractions can lead to tumultuous labor, uterine rupture, cervical and vaginal lacerations, postpartum hemorrhage, uteroplacental hypoperfusion, and variable deceleration of fetal heart, fetal hypoxia, hypercapnia, perinatal hepatic necrosis or death. Water intoxication with convulsions, which is caused by the inherent antidiuretic effect of oxytocin, is a serious complication that may occur if large doses (40 to 50 milliunits/minute) are infused for long periods. Management consists of immediate discontinuation of oxytocin and symptomatic and supportive therapy.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Antepartum use of Pitocin (oxytocin injection) is contraindicated in any of the following circumstances:

Where there is significant cephalopelvic disproportion;
In unfavorable fetal positions or presentations, such as transverse lies, which are undeliverable without conversion prior to delivery;
In obstetrical emergencies where the benefit-to-risk ratio for either the fetus or the mother favors surgical intervention;
In fetal distress where delivery is not imminent;
Where adequate uterine activity fails to achieve satisfactory progress;
Where the uterus is already hyperactive or hypertonic;
In cases where vaginal delivery is contraindicated, such as invasive cervical carcinoma, active herpes genitalis, total placenta previa, vasa previa, and cord presentation or prolapse of the cord;
In patients with hypersensitivity to the drug.