11-6. USES OF OXYTOCIN
Oxytocin has many uses in medicine. A few of these uses will be discussed
here.
a. Induce Labor at Term. If the physician believes it is required, oxytocin may
be administered intravenously to the pregnant woman at term in order to induce
contractions of the uterus.
b. Control Postpartum Hemorrhage. Oxytocin can also be used to reduce
uterine bleeding after the infant has been born. Remember, oxytocin causes
contractions of the uterus.
c. Relieve Postpartum Breast Engorgement. Oxytocin is used to relieve
postpartum breast engorgement in women who are going to breastfeed their infants in
that it causes "milk let-down." "Milk let-down" is a situation in which the milk in the
breasts travels from alveoli to the nipples where it can be suckled by the infant. If the
milk does not travel from the alveoli to the nipples, the breasts can become swollen and
sore. In addition to relieving postpartum breast engorgement, oxytocin can also aid in
milk ejection from the breasts by having the milk move toward the nipples.
d. Prevent Uterine Atony. After delivery, the uterus must return to its normal
size and position. Oxytocin can help in this process by causing the uterine muscle to
contract back to its original position. Thus, ocytocin can prevent uterine atony (i.e.,
when the uterus loses its proper muscle tone).
e. Aid in Placental Transfer. Placental expulsion can be aided by the
administration of oxytocin.
11-7. NOTE CONCERNING USE OF MORE THAN ONE OXYTOCIC AGENT AT
A TIME
The physician should never administer more than one oxytocic at any one time
due to the synergistic effect produced. See MD0804, Pharmacology I, for a discussion
of synergism.
11-8. UTERINE STIMULANTS
The following products are used as uterine stimulants.
a. Oxytocin (Pitocin, Synthocinon). Oxytocin can be used on either an
inpatient or an outpatient basis. On an inpatient basis, the drug is used to induce labor
and/or to aid in contro1ling postpartum hemorrhage. For these uses, the physician can
use either the injection or the buccal tablet dosage form. The dosage of either dosage
form is adjusted based on the uterine response of the patient. On an outpatient basis,
oxytocin is used to aid in breast milk ejection. The physician uses the nasal spray
MD0807
11-5