Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone that helps start labor or make uterine contractions stronger, and it can also help control bleeding after childbirth.

Oxytocin is also used to help stimulate uterine contractions in a woman who has an incomplete or threatened miscarriage.

Oxytocin may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use only as directed. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines or have any other medical conditions or allergies.

You should not receive treatment with oxytocin if you are allergic to it.

Inform your doctor if you have ever experienced:

• a severe infection in your uterus;
• a difficult labor due to a small pelvis;
• genital herpes;
• cervical cancer;
• surgery on your cervix or uterus (including a previous C-section);
• high blood pressure; or
• heart problems.

Consult a doctor to find out if it is safe to breastfeed while using oxytocin.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Oxytocin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• a fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;
• excessive bleeding long after childbirth;
• severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears; or
• confusion, severe weakness, feeling unsteady.

Oxytocin may cause serious or life-threatening side effects in the newborn baby, including:

• slow heartbeats or other abnormal heart rate;
• jaundice (a yellow appearance of the baby's skin);
• a seizure;
• eye problems; or
• problems with breathing, muscle tone, and other signs of health problems.

Talk with your doctor about the risks of using oxytocin. In most cases, the benefits of inducing labor with oxytocin will outweigh the risks to the baby.

Common side effects of oxytocin may include:

• nausea, vomiting; or
• more intense or more frequent contractions (this is an expected effect of oxytocin).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Oxytocin is injected into a muscle, or given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Your contractions and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving oxytocin. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with this medicine.

During labor, your baby's heart rate will also be watched with a fetal heart monitor to evaluate any effects of oxytocin on the baby.

Oxytocin is used as needed and does not have a daily dose. Call your doctor if the medicine is not working.

Since oxytocin is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, you will be closely watched to ensure you get the right dose.

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any limits on food, drinks, or activities.

Other drugs may influence oxytocin, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you take.