Pitocin

Pitocin Injection (Oxytocin) belongs to a group of medicines called oxytocics and it makes the muscles of the uterus (womb) contract, helping to push out your baby. It is used in childbirth, in certain types of miscarriage and to prevent or control bleeding after delivery of your baby.

Each ampoule contains oxytocin EP (active ingredient). They also contain the following inactive ingredients: sodium acetate, chlorobutanol, ethanol, acetic acid and water.

Pitocin Injection (Oxytocin) comes in packs of five ampoules. It is given as an intravenous infusion (drip) into one of your veins and causes contraction of the muscles of the womb. It is generally administered by a doctor in a hospital setting.

Possible side effects which may be experienced by patients undergoing treatment with Pitocin Injection (Oxytocin) include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Spasms of the uterus
• Bleeding
• Abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias)
• Skin rashes
• Fall in blood pressure (causing dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling faint)
• Difficulty in breathing
• Shock (blood pressure too low to maintain blood supply to the tissues)
• High doses may cause very strong contractions of the womb, resulting in tearing of the womb, tissue damage or distress to the baby
• Water intoxication and low levels of sodium in the blood may occur if high doses are used for long periods (symptoms include headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, drowsiness, unconsciousness and seizures)

Pitocin Injection (Oxytocin) should always be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius to prevent early expiration.

This medicine will be kept in a safe place where children cannot reach it. If your physician decides to stop your treatment, any unused medicine should be returned to the pharmacist.