What it means
Labor and delivery shorthand for Pitocin, a brand of oxytocinok-sih-TOH-sinA hormone that makes the uterus contract and releases breast milk; also given by IV to start or strengthen labor and control bleeding after birth.Full entry , as in "pit drip." ISMP lists PIT as error-prone because it has been mistaken for Pitressin, an old brand of vasopressinvay-zoh-PRES-inA man-made form of antidiuretic hormone, given by IV mainly to raise blood pressure in shock.Full entry , a different hormone. IV oxytocin is also on ISMP's high-alert list.
For the nurse
Write "oxytocin" in orders and records, and confirm the drug, concentration and rate on the infusion pump.
Related terms
oxytocin
A hormone that makes the uterus contract and releases breast milk; also given by IV to start or strengthen labor and control bleeding after birth.
vasopressin
A man-made form of antidiuretic hormone, given by IV mainly to raise blood pressure in shock.
OXY
An abbreviation for oxytocin; ISMP advises writing the full drug name.