What it means
The body makes oxytocin in the hypothalamus and releases it from the pituitary glandpih-TOO-ih-tair-ee glandA gland the size of a pea, hanging below the brain, whose hormones control many other glands.Full entry during labor and breastfeeding. As a drug, it is given by IV infusion to induce or strengthen labor, and by IV or IM after birth to firm the uterus and prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhagepohst-PAR-tum HEM-uh-rijHeavy bleeding after birth: a total blood loss of 1,000 mL or more, or blood loss with signs of low blood volume, within 24 hours.post- afterpart/o birthhem/o blood-rrhage bursting forthFull entry . Too much can cause contractions that come too often or last too long, which stresses the fetus. In large amounts it can cause water retention and low sodium.
For the nurse
Give the labor infusion on a pump as a secondary line, raising the rate per protocol. Monitor contractions and the fetal heart rate continuously. If contractions come too often (more than 5 in 10 minutes) or the fetal heart rate pattern is worrisome, stop the infusion, turn the client on her side, give IV fluids and oxygen as ordered and notify the provider. IV oxytocin is on the ISMP high-alert list; its boxed warning says it is not for elective induction.
At a glance
| Drug class | uterotonic (oxytocic); hormone |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Pitocin |
| Abbreviations | "OXY" is on the ISMP error-prone list (it can be mistaken for oxycodone): write the full name. |
| Spanish | oxitocina |
| Also written | Pitocin |
Easy to confuse with
oxycodone
An opioid pain medicine taken by mouth, as quick-acting or long-acting tablets.
vasopressin
A man-made form of antidiuretic hormone, given by IV mainly to raise blood pressure in shock.
Related terms
uterine contraction
A tightening and then relaxing of the muscle of the uterus (womb), as happens during labor.
postpartum hemorrhage
Heavy bleeding after birth: a total blood loss of 1,000 mL or more, or blood loss with signs of low blood volume, within 24 hours.
pituitary gland
A gland the size of a pea, hanging below the brain, whose hormones control many other glands.
vasopressin
A man-made form of antidiuretic hormone, given by IV mainly to raise blood pressure in shock.