Oxytocin
Also known as: OT, OXT, Pitocin, Syntocinon, Uterocon, α-Hypophamine
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Summary
Synthetic oxytocin is used clinically to induce or augment labor, control postpartum hemorrhage, and promote lactation.
Mechanism of Action
Activates oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a Gq-coupled GPCR, stimulating uterine smooth muscle contraction and milk ejection
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Milk ejection / lactation supportLactationModerate
- Social functioning improvement in autism spectrum disorderPsychiatric / InvestigationalLow
- Induce laborObstetricsHigh
- Control postpartum hemorrhageObstetricsHigh
- Incomplete or inevitable abortion managementObstetricHigh
- Enhance lactationObstetricsModerate
- Prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhageObstetricHigh
- Labor induction and augmentationObstetricHigh
- Anxiolytic / social anxiety reductionPsychiatric / InvestigationalLow
Contraindications
- Unfavorable fetal position or presentation undeliverable without interventionObstetricHigh
- Cephalopelvic disproportionObstetricHigh
- Placenta previaObstetricHigh
- Hypersensitivity to oxytocinAllergy / ImmunologicHigh
- Hypertonic uterine contractionsObstetricHigh
- Prior classical uterine incision or uterine surgery with high rupture riskUterine IntegrityHigh
- Fetal distressObstetricHigh
- Fetal distress without delivery being imminentFetal SafetyHigh
Adverse Effects
- Uterine hyperstimulation / tachysystoleUterineCommon
- AnaphylaxisImmunologicRareSevere life-threatening allergic reaction
- Uterine hyperstimulationUterineCommon
- Hyponatremia / water intoxicationMetabolicUncommon
- Fetal heart rate abnormalitiesFetalCommon
- HypotensionCardiovascularUncommonLow blood pressure
- Nausea and vomitingGastrointestinalCommon
- Water intoxication (hyponatremia)MetabolicRare
- NauseaGastrointestinalCommonFeeling of sickness or urge to vomit
Drug Interactions
- Tocolytics (e.g., nifedipine)Low
- Prostaglandins (e.g., dinoprostone)Moderate
- Vasoconstrictors / sympathomimetics (e.g., ephedrine, phenylephrine)Moderate
- Inhalational anesthetics (e.g., sevoflurane, isoflurane)Moderate
- Prostaglandins (e.g., misoprostol, dinoprostone)High
- Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) / desmopressinModerate
- QT-prolonging drugs (e.g., haloperidol, azithromycin)Moderate
Population Constraints
- Hyponatremia (pre-existing)ElectrolyteRelative
- Renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- Grand multiparityObstetric RiskRelative
- Cardiovascular diseaseCardiacRelative
- Pregnant women ≥24 weeks gestationObstetricAbsolute
- NeonatesPediatricRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: induction of labor, augmentation of labor, postpartum hemorrhageEMA approved; marketed as Pitocin.
- United StatesApprovedApproved: induction of labor, augmentation of labor, postpartum hemorrhageFDA approved; administered IV or IM.
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: Induction of labor, Augmentation of labor, Prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, Incomplete abortion managementLicensed via MHRA; Syntocinon IV and nasal spray formulations available. Intranasal use for psychiatric indications remains unlicensed/off-label.
Approved by FDA (US) and EMA (EU) for obstetric indications; intranasal formulation under investigation for psychiatric disorders.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oxytocin?
Synthetic oxytocin is used clinically to induce or augment labor, control postpartum hemorrhage, and promote lactation.
What is Oxytocin used for?
Oxytocin is educationally associated with: Milk ejection / lactation support, Social functioning improvement in autism spectrum disorder, Induce labor, Control postpartum hemorrhage, Incomplete or inevitable abortion management, Enhance lactation, Prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, Labor induction and augmentation, Anxiolytic / social anxiety reduction. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Oxytocin administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intramuscular, Intravenous, Nasal, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Oxytocin?
Reported adverse effects include: Uterine hyperstimulation / tachysystole, Anaphylaxis, Uterine hyperstimulation, Hyponatremia / water intoxication, Fetal heart rate abnormalities, Hypotension, Nausea and vomiting, Water intoxication (hyponatremia), Nausea. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Oxytocin?
Recorded contraindications: Unfavorable fetal position or presentation undeliverable without intervention, Cephalopelvic disproportion, Placenta previa, Hypersensitivity to oxytocin, Hypertonic uterine contractions, Prior classical uterine incision or uterine surgery with high rupture risk, Fetal distress, Fetal distress without delivery being imminent. Consult a qualified clinician before use.