Pitocin

Uterine Contraction, Negative Reinforcement, Abortion, Spontaneous + 7 more
Treatment
4 FDA approvals
6 Active Studies for Pitocin

What is Pitocin

OxytocinThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryOxytocin is a hormone composed of nine amino acids, discovered in 1906 by Sir Henry H. Dale. Synthetic oxytocin was first created in the 1950s by Vincent du Vigneaud, who received a Nobel Prize for his work. Oxytocin is commonly used in obstetrics to help induce labor and manage postpartum hemorrhage. It is estimated that oxytocin labor induction is used in 10% of deliveries worldwide. However, it should only be used when necessary and by experienced healthcare practitioners due to the risks associated with oxytocin intervention during childbirth. Oxytocin also has a range of other effects,
Oxytocinis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Pitocin Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Oxytocin
Oxytocin
1980
23

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Oxytocin, also known as Oxytocin, is approved by the FDA for 4 uses such as Postpartum Bleeding and Uterine Contraction .
Postpartum Bleeding
Helps manage Postpartum Bleeding
Uterine Contraction
Hemorrhage
Helps manage Postpartum Bleeding
Uterine Contractions

Effectiveness

How Pitocin Affects PatientsOxytocin is a hormone that can affect many parts of the body, including the brain, heart, and reproductive system. It is most commonly known for its involvement in childbirth and breastfeeding, but it can also affect other aspects of our lives, such as our sexual and social behavior, emotions, and fear responses. Oxytocin receptors are found in various parts of the body, including the brain and reproductive system.
How Pitocin works in the bodyOxytocin is a hormone produced in the brain. It is released during childbirth to cause the uterus to contract. The uterus has special oxytocin receptors that detect the hormone and trigger a chain reaction that causes the uterus to contract. This process is regulated by a positive feedback loop, meaning that each contraction also causes the release of more oxytocin. In some instances, synthetic oxytocin can be used to help induce or strengthen labor contractions.

When to interrupt dosage

The magnitude of Pitocin is contingent upon the diagnosed affliction, including Incomplete Abortion, Induction of Labour and Inevitable abortion. The amount likewise fluctuates as per the technique of delivery (e.g. Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous or Injection, solution) featured in the table below.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Uterine Contraction
10.0 [USP'U]/mL, , 10.0 [iU]/mL, 0.01 [USP'U]/mL, 0.02 [USP'U]/mL, 0.3 [USP'U]/mL, 0.2 [USP'U]/mL, 0.03 [USP'U]/mL, 0.1 [USP'U]/mL, 10.0 units/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Intramuscular; Intravascular, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravascular
Negative Reinforcement
10.0 [USP'U]/mL, , 10.0 [iU]/mL, 0.01 [USP'U]/mL, 0.02 [USP'U]/mL, 0.3 [USP'U]/mL, 0.2 [USP'U]/mL, 0.03 [USP'U]/mL, 0.1 [USP'U]/mL, 10.0 units/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Intramuscular; Intravascular, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravascular
Abortion, Spontaneous
10.0 [USP'U]/mL, , 10.0 [iU]/mL, 0.01 [USP'U]/mL, 0.02 [USP'U]/mL, 0.3 [USP'U]/mL, 0.2 [USP'U]/mL, 0.03 [USP'U]/mL, 0.1 [USP'U]/mL, 10.0 units/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Intramuscular; Intravascular, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravascular
reinforcement of labor
10.0 [USP'U]/mL, , 10.0 [iU]/mL, 0.01 [USP'U]/mL, 0.02 [USP'U]/mL, 0.3 [USP'U]/mL, 0.2 [USP'U]/mL, 0.03 [USP'U]/mL, 0.1 [USP'U]/mL, 10.0 units/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Intramuscular; Intravascular, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravascular
Induction of Labour
10.0 [USP'U]/mL, , 10.0 [iU]/mL, 0.01 [USP'U]/mL, 0.02 [USP'U]/mL, 0.3 [USP'U]/mL, 0.2 [USP'U]/mL, 0.03 [USP'U]/mL, 0.1 [USP'U]/mL, 10.0 units/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Intramuscular; Intravascular, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravascular
Abortion, Incomplete
10.0 [USP'U]/mL, , 10.0 [iU]/mL, 0.01 [USP'U]/mL, 0.02 [USP'U]/mL, 0.3 [USP'U]/mL, 0.2 [USP'U]/mL, 0.03 [USP'U]/mL, 0.1 [USP'U]/mL, 10.0 units/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Intramuscular; Intravascular, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravascular
Third Stage of Labour
10.0 [USP'U]/mL, , 10.0 [iU]/mL, 0.01 [USP'U]/mL, 0.02 [USP'U]/mL, 0.3 [USP'U]/mL, 0.2 [USP'U]/mL, 0.03 [USP'U]/mL, 0.1 [USP'U]/mL, 10.0 units/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Intramuscular; Intravascular, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravascular
Hemorrhage
10.0 [USP'U]/mL, , 10.0 [iU]/mL, 0.01 [USP'U]/mL, 0.02 [USP'U]/mL, 0.3 [USP'U]/mL, 0.2 [USP'U]/mL, 0.03 [USP'U]/mL, 0.1 [USP'U]/mL, 10.0 units/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Intramuscular; Intravascular, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravascular
Labour
10.0 [USP'U]/mL, , 10.0 [iU]/mL, 0.01 [USP'U]/mL, 0.02 [USP'U]/mL, 0.3 [USP'U]/mL, 0.2 [USP'U]/mL, 0.03 [USP'U]/mL, 0.1 [USP'U]/mL, 10.0 units/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Intramuscular; Intravascular, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravascular
Uterine Contractions
10.0 [USP'U]/mL, , 10.0 [iU]/mL, 0.01 [USP'U]/mL, 0.02 [USP'U]/mL, 0.3 [USP'U]/mL, 0.2 [USP'U]/mL, 0.03 [USP'U]/mL, 0.1 [USP'U]/mL, 10.0 units/mL
, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Intravenous, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Intramuscular; Intravascular, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravascular

Warnings

Pitocin has nine contraindications, hence it should not be utilized when encountering any of the conditions mentioned in the following table.Pitocin Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Cephalopelvic Disproportion
Do Not Combine
unfavorable fetal presentations
Do Not Combine
Obstetrical Emergency Situations
Do Not Combine
Breech Presentation
Do Not Combine
unsatisfactory progress from adequate uterine activity
Do Not Combine
Obstetric Delivery
Do Not Combine
hyperactive or hypertonic uterus
Do Not Combine
Vaginal Delivery Contraindicated
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Oxytocin may interact with Pulse Frequency
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Pitocin.
Common Pitocin Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Hydroxyzine
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Oxytocin is combined with Hydroxyzine.
Mobocertinib
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Oxytocin is combined with Mobocertinib.
Ziprasidone
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Oxytocin is combined with Ziprasidone.
Abexinostat
Minor
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Oxytocin is combined with Abexinostat.
Aceprometazine
Minor
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Oxytocin is combined with Aceprometazine.
Pitocin Toxicity & Overdose RiskTaking too much oxytocin can cause a lack of blood flow to the heart, an abnormally fast heartbeat, and abnormal heart rhythms. Additionally, high doses of oxytocin can lead to spasms of the uterus, increased muscle tension, or a rupture of the uterus. When taking oxytocin, the mother may be at risk for water intoxication if fluids are taken orally, which can lead to seizures, coma, and death.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Pitocin Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Pitocin?

At present, there are 3 studies assessing the potential of Pitocin to provide Negative Reinforcement, induce labor and manage Inevitable abortion.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Abortion, Incomplete
0 Actively Recruiting
Uterine Contractions
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Uterine Contraction
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Negative Reinforcement
0 Actively Recruiting
Third Stage of Labour
0 Actively Recruiting
reinforcement of labor
0 Actively Recruiting
Hemorrhage
0 Actively Recruiting
Induction of Labour
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4
Labour
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Phase 3
Abortion, Spontaneous
0 Actively Recruiting

Pitocin Reviews: What are patients saying about Pitocin?

3.7Patient Review
1/7/2009
Pitocin for Use of Drugs or Surgical Procedures to Begin Labor Process
Pitocin carries certain risks for both mothers and babies.
2.3Patient Review
3/17/2008
Pitocin for Use of Drugs or Surgical Procedures to Begin Labor Process
2Patient Review
9/23/2009
Pitocin for Hemorrhage Following Delivery of Baby
Could this drug cause excessive bleeding or incomplete delivery of the placenta following childbirth?
2Patient Review
1/13/2012
Pitocin for Use of Drugs or Surgical Procedures to Begin Labor Process
I used this medication and, unfortunately, my baby passed away the next day.
2Patient Review
3/19/2008
Pitocin for Use of Drugs or Surgical Procedures to Begin Labor Process
1.7Patient Review
6/23/2010
Pitocin for Use of Drugs or Surgical Procedures to Begin Labor Process
The doctors gave me this drug to help with my contractions, but it only made them more painful. I would not recommend this medication to anyone.
1Patient Review
7/31/2010
Pitocin for Use of Drugs or Surgical Procedures to Begin Labor Process
I was given pitocin 10 years ago on my due date, before I had dilated to 2 cm and only 1 hour after water breakage. 16 hours later on pitocin, no labor and only dilated to barely 4 cm...pitocin stopped my labor completely!
1Patient Review
1/4/2008
Pitocin for Use of Drugs or Surgical Procedures to Begin Labor Process
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about pitocin

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What does Pitocin do to the baby?

"Pitocin is a medication that is often used in labor and delivery rooms. While it can be effective, the use of Pitocin to induce or speed up labor often leads to overstimulation and fetal distress. This, in turn, increases the risk of birth injury."

Answered by AI

Does Pitocin make labor more painful?

"Women who have given birth both with and without Pitocin say that induced labors feel harder and more intense. Studies show that women who receive Pitocin are more likely to get an epidural for pain relief. If it's your first baby, you won't have anything to compare it to."

Answered by AI

How long does labor take with Pitocin?

"Some women start having mild contractions a few hours after Pitocin is started, but the response time varies. If you have had a baby before, you are more likely to have a quick response. Many women need 6-12 hours or more of Pitocin to enter active labor."

Answered by AI

What exactly does Pitocin do?

"Pitocin is a synthetic version of a hormone called oxytocin. Oxytocin is released at the end of pregnancy, which stimulates the muscles of the uterus and causes contractions. The hormone is often misspelled as pitosin and petosin."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Pitocin

Image of Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, United States.

Lactated Ringer's + Dextrose for Induction of Labour

18+
Female
Norfolk, VA
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine which of two types of standard intravenous (IV) fluids (a combination of 5% dextrose and Lactated Ringers solution and Lactated Ringers solution alone) has a better influence on labor when inducing labor in pregnant women. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does the use of 5% dextrose and Lactated Ringers lead to a shorter labor than the use of just Lactated Ringers? 2. Does the use of 5% dextrose and Lactated Ringers increase the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia when compared to Lactated Ringers? Participants in this trial will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: a group that receives a solution of 5% dextrose and Lactated Ringers, and a group that receives Lactated Ringers alone. Researchers will compare the outcomes of the two groups to see which IV fluid is more effective.
Phase 4
Recruiting
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Have you considered Pitocin clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Pitocin, we think they might fit your search criteria.Go to Trials
Image of Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SInai in New York, United States.

Ephedrine for Childbirth

18 - 55
Female
New York, NY
Labor analgesia is an important component of the care of laboring patients. A known side effect of combined spinal and epidural anesthesia (a type of labor analgesia) is an increased incidence of category II fetal heart rate tracing (defined below) and low blood pressure. The study team aims to study if a prophylactic dose of ephedrine will decrease the occurrence of this type of tracing after combined spinal epidural (CSE) anesthesia placement. Ephedrine is not currently routinely used as prevention for category II tracings or low blood pressure. The use of Ephedrine in this study is investigational (this is the first time that the drug has been studied for its effect on these conditions). Fetal heart rate (FHR) tracings are classified into three categories. In clinical practice, FHR tracing categories are used as a guide to obstetric management and suggest the following approach: * Category I tracing is "reactive" and reassuring → may continue labor * Category II tracing is neither category I nor category III. For obvious reasons, category II is the broadest and largest category, consisting of various FHR tracing patterns that do not fit into either category I or category III. * Category III tracing is non-reassuring → expedited vaginal or cesarean delivery recommended. A Category II tracing is not diagnostic. Most pregnancies have at least one Category II tracing. There is not always an identifiable reason for a Category II tracing. Ephedrine is a medication that causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure while also causing some degree of relaxation of the uterus therefore improving uterine blood flow. It has been used in the obstetric population for over 50 years without issues. The dose that the research team will administer, 7.5 mg, is below the dose the research team will often administer to treat hypotension (low blood pressure).
Phase 4
Recruiting
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SInai (+1 Sites)James Leader
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