Oxytocin

Oxytocin is intended to increase excitability and strengthen the contractile properties of the uterine muscles. Naturally, it is taken to stimulate labor. In cases where one's own "strength" is not enough. Strengthening of muscle contraction occurs due to oxytocin increasing the permeability of the myometrium cell membrane for potassium ions. Thus, its potential decreases and excitability increases.

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Indications Oxytocin

Indications for use Oxytocin - weakening of labor. Usually, the drug is used during cesarean section, during the operation itself. In addition, the main indications for its use are hypotension or atony of the uterus after childbirth.

The drug is also used for abortions if it needs to be done at a sufficiently late stage. This will cause premature birth. The drug is actively used for hypotonic uterine bleeding in the postpartum period. The reason for taking it can be milk stagnation in the early postpartum period, as well as too painful premenstrual syndrome. Which is characterized by severe edema. The drug is also used for weight gain. In general, the spectrum of action of the drug is very wide. It is used exclusively by women and only on the advice of a doctor. Oxytocin is mainly used to enhance labor with early discharge of amniotic fluid and to stimulate the uterus.

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Release form

Release form - ampoules, the drug is administered by injection. This medicine is a synthetic hormonal drug. It is an analogue of the polypeptide hormone of the posterior pituitary gland of the same name.

It can be purchased in different dosages. Thus, it is released as a solution for injections in 1 ml ampoules. It contains 5 units of oxytocin. One package can contain 5, 10 and 50 ampoules.

There is also a slightly different dosage. One ampoule can contain 2 ml of the active substance. In this form, the package contains 5 ampoules. There are no other variations of "packaging". The drug is not made in the form of tablets. It must have a quick effect, and only intravenous administration of the drug can allow this to happen. That is why Oxytocin is produced as an injection solution. The required dosage of the drug is prescribed by a doctor, based on the situation, it is recommended to administer this or that amount. Therefore, in which variation to buy the drug, a specialist also decides.

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Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacodynamics Oxytocin is a hormone of the posterior pituitary gland. It is designed to have a stimulating effect on the smooth muscles of the uterus. Thus, an increase in contractile activity and, to a lesser extent, the tone of the myometrium is produced. This is very important in case of weak labor.

In small doses, the drug can increase the frequency and amplitude of uterine contractions. In a higher dose, the drug, when administered repeatedly, helps to increase the tone of the uterus. In addition, its contractions become more frequent and stronger, up to tetanic ones.

In addition, there is an increase in prolactin secretion, as well as a reduction in myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveoli of the mammary gland. Thus, promoting increased milk production. The drug has weak vasopressin-like antidiuretic properties. That is why the drug has a wide range of action and is used everywhere. Oxytocin is a drug that has become widespread in obstetric practice.

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Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics Oxytocin after administration T1/2 from plasma is from one to several minutes. Metabolism occurs in the liver. During pregnancy, a specific enzyme oxytocinase appears in the plasma, inactivating endogenous and exogenous oxytocin. In addition to plasma, it is also found in target organs.

It is worth noting the fact that a small amount of it is excreted unchanged by the kidneys. This medication is widely used in obstetrics. It stimulates contractions of the uterus and maintains its tone. This is especially important in case of weak labor. A small amount of the medication can help ease this process. In some cases, the drug is used to perform an abortion at a late stage. This causes premature labor.

This medicine is really in demand. After all, it is not possible to give birth to a child on your own in all cases. Oxytocin produces stimulation and thus helps in this matter.

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Dosing and administration

The method of administration and dosage should be prescribed by the attending physician. The drug is administered intravenously and intramuscularly into the wall or vaginal part of the cervix. Administration into the nose is not excluded.

For intravenous drip administration, 1 ml of the drug is sufficient. In this case, it is administered not in pure form, but diluted. The drug is diluted in 500 ml of 5% glucose solution.

To stimulate labor, the drug is administered intramuscularly at 1 U at intervals of 30-60 minutes. In this case, much depends on the reaction of the uterus. It is advisable to administer the medication intravenously by drip at 1-5 U in 300-500 ml of 5% glucose solution. But in this case, uterine contractions and fetal heartbeat should be monitored. This is done until the end of labor and after separation of the placenta.

In case of weak labor or prolonged labor, the drug is taken at 0.5-1 U at 60-minute intervals, depending on the obstetric situation. During breech labor, 2-5 U of the drug is administered.

In case of hypotension and atony of the uterus, 5-10 U of Oxytocin are prescribed intravenously in 10-20 ml of 40% glucose solution. To stimulate lactation, the drug is administered intramuscularly or into the nose at 0.5 U 5 minutes before feeding. If necessary, the injection is repeated. In case of premenstrual syndrome - into the nose, from the 20th day of the cycle until the 1st day of menstruation.

For the prevention and treatment of hypotonic uterine bleeding in the postpartum period, the drug is administered intramuscularly in a dose of 3-5 U. The exact dosage of Oxytocin is prescribed by a doctor in any case.

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Use Oxytocin during pregnancy

The use of Oxytocin during pregnancy is permissible, but only if necessary. Basically, this drug is widely used to activate labor. In some cases, the tone of the uterus and the frequency of its contractions are not enough to start the labor process on its own. That is why this hormone is administered to the woman. It is also widely used during cesarean section.

In other cases, a pregnant woman should not take the drug. It should be noted once again that the main activity of the drug is aimed at enhancing the labor process. Therefore, taking the drug unnecessarily can lead to the onset of premature labor. Usually, this phenomenon is achieved when performing an abortion at a later stage. This drug should be used only under the guidance of a specialist. Self-administration is prohibited, this can lead to the development of serious complications. Oxytocin is used exclusively in obstetric practice.

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of Oxytocin are primarily increased hypersensitivity to some components of the drug. In this case, serious complications may develop. Including severe allergic reactions. For a pregnant woman, this is extremely unacceptable.

The drug should not be taken by people with a narrow pelvis. In this case, independent labor is prohibited. The woman simply will not be able to give birth to a child, so it is necessary to resort to the help of a cesarean section.

If the size of the fetal head does not correspond to the size of the pelvis, the use of the product is prohibited. A similar prohibition applies to cases where the child has taken an incorrect position in the mother's womb. This means transverse or oblique position. In case of complete placenta previa and the threat of uterine rupture, the use of the product is prohibited, as this can lead to the development of serious complications. This is why Oxytocin should be taken only on the recommendations of the attending physician.

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Side effects Oxytocin

Side effects Oxytocin can cause. Basically, it all manifests itself in the form of nausea, vomiting and arrhythmia. The latter phenomenon can also develop in the fetus. A slowdown in the pulse of both the mother and the child is possible.

Blood pressure may increase significantly and subarachnoid bleeding may begin. Hypotension and shock are possible against this background. Water retention in the body is possible, up to poisoning. This phenomenon usually occurs with too frequent and prolonged administration of the drug. This may occur against the background of an allergic reaction, which is caused by intolerance to some components of the drug.

Sharp contractions with further development of intrauterine hypoxia are possible. All these phenomena are fraught with serious consequences. Moreover, this concerns not only the mother's body, but also the child. That is why any intervention should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. An increased dose or ignoring some important points can lead to serious complications. Oxytocin in increased doses can cause harm.

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Overdose

There have been no cases of overdose. This drug is not capable of causing serious complications if taken in the prescribed dosage. Only a sharp increase in the dose can cause negative reactions. First of all, this is due to the high concentration of the drug in the blood plasma. Therefore, it is impossible to increase the dose without necessity.

The drug should be administered strictly under the supervision of a doctor. This will help avoid serious consequences in the future. In the event of the development of strange symptoms, the administration of the drug is stopped. But this decision must be made by a doctor. After all, with weak labor, it is necessary to complete what has been started in any case. This should happen either under the administration of this drug, or during a cesarean section. In this case, all possible risks are weighed, and on this basis the right decision is made. Oxytocin really helps many women, but in order not to harm the body of the mother and child, it must be used carefully, without deviating from the specified dose.

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Interactions with other drugs

Interactions of Oxytocin with other drugs When used simultaneously with inhalation anesthetics, the hypotensive effect of the drug may be enhanced and its stimulating effect on the uterus may be weakened. This may significantly complicate the process and lead to the impossibility of an independent birth process. In this case, you will have to resort to a cesarean section.

Prostaglandins potentiate the stimulating effect of oxytocin on the uterus. The drug itself can potentiate the pressor effect of sympathomimetic agents. Therefore, before administering this drug, it is necessary to make sure that the woman is not taking any other drugs. Moreover, it is extremely unacceptable to use simultaneous administration of drugs with the same effect. This can lead to the development of serious consequences. Oxytocin is a strong drug that can not only improve the condition and "speed up" labor, but also, on the contrary, aggravate the situation.

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Storage conditions

Storage conditions for Oxytocin must be fully observed. Usually this medication is under the "control" of doctors. After all, storing such a drug at home is not advisable. This drug is taken mainly to stimulate labor, so you should not store it at home.

This drug requires special conditions. Thus, it is desirable to maintain a certain temperature regime. It should not exceed 5 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is worth storing the drug in the refrigerator. It is desirable that this is a place protected from light and direct sunlight. The drug will also not tolerate increased humidity. This is why compliance with special conditions is so important.

Once opened, the ampoule should be used within a few hours. Otherwise, it should be discarded. The shelf life of the drug is 2 years. However, an open ampoule can be stored for a few hours. Oxytocin, if all conditions are met, will retain all its beneficial properties for the specified time.

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Special instructions

There are also special instructions regarding this drug. The drug should be administered only in a specialized hospital under strict medical supervision. Self-administration can lead to the development of serious consequences. Especially if the girl is pregnant. The drug has a strong stimulation of labor, which can be premature.

In no case should the drug be used in severe preeclamptic toxemia, severe disorders of the cardiovascular system. Thus, there is a strong load on the heart and this can lead to serious consequences. There are no other special instructions. It is important not to take the drug on your own. This can really harm and lead to irreparable consequences. That is why you should not go beyond the specified dosage and do everything according to the doctor's recommendations. In this case, Oxytocin will not be able to harm.

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Shelf life

The shelf life of the drug is 2 years. But in fact, this is just a number. Without special storage conditions, it can be reduced several times. It is worth noting right away that an open ampoule should not be stored for more than a few hours.

Optimal storage conditions are: dryness, absence of light and temperature of 5 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is best to place the medicine in a special refrigerator. It is not worth storing the drug at home, because it is taken mainly in the hospital. In some cases, it is used to improve lactation. Therefore, the drug is stored at home.

Children should not have access to this medication. They can easily get hurt by a broken ampoule and consume the contents, which is highly unacceptable. If all storage conditions are observed, the drug will last for the specified period of time, namely 2 years. Oxytocin is a popular drug that must be stored under special conditions.

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