Indications:Oxytocin is indicated by the parenteral route for nonelective of labor for medical reasons and for stimulation or reinforcement of laborin patients with dysfunctional interia parenteral oxytocin is also indicated for management of inevitable, incomplete, or missed abortion, as well as to produce uterine contractions during the third stage of labour and to control pospartum bleeding or hemorrhage oxytocin has been administered parenterally to assess fetal respiratory capabilities in high-risk pregnancies. Oxytocin has been intranasally for stimulation of milk jection when it is impaired.

Usual adult dose: Oxytocin challenge test

Intravenous infusion, initially 0.5 milliunit per minute, doubled every twenty minutes as necessary to the effective dose (usually 5 to 6 milliunits per minute). When three moderate uterine contraction (duration of forty to sixty seconds) occur in one ten minute interval, the infusion is discontinued and baseline and oxytocin-induced fetal heart rates are compared. If there is no change in fetal heart rate, repeat the test after one week. In the case of a suspect test, repeat within twenty-four bours.

Induction or stimulation of labour: Intravenous infusion, initially no more than 1 to 2 milliunits (0.01 to 0.02 units) per minute, increased every fifiteen to thirty minutes in increments of 1 to 2 milliunits per minute until a contraction pattern similar to that of normal labour is abtained up to a maximum of 20 milliunits per minute (usually 2 to 5 milliunits per minute). The rate may be reduced once labour is established.

Control of postpartum uterine bleeding: Intravenous infusion, 10 units at a rate of 20 to 40 milliunits per minute following delivery of the infant(s) and preterably the placenta(s). A rate of 20 to 100 milliunits per minute may be used following abortion.

Intramuscular, 3 to 10 units after delivery of the placenta(s).

Storage: Store below 20 centigrade, dry place, away from light, protect from freezing.

Validity: Three Years