Name of the Drug Dosage/ Frequency Classification Mechanism of Action Side effects Nursing consideration

Generic name: Dosage: Oxytocic Oxytocin increases Body as a Start flow charts to record
Oxytocin ADULT: agents the sodium Whole: Fetal trauma maternal BP and other vital
Dosage Forms & permeability of from too rapid signs, I&O ratio, weight,
Strengths uterine myofibrils, propulsion through strength, duration, and
Brand name Injectable solution indirectly stimulating pelvis, fetal death, frequency of contractions, as
Pitocin 10 units/mL contraction of the anaphylactic well as fetal heart tone and rate,
Postpartum uterine smooth reactions, postpartum before instituting treatment.
Hemorrhage muscle. The uterus hemorrhage, Monitor fetal heart rate and
10 unit IM after responds precordial pain, maternal BP and pulse at least
delivery of placenta to oxytocin more edema, cyanosis or q15min during infusion period;
Add 10-40 units; not readily in the redness of skin. evaluate tonus of myometrium
to exceed 40 units; to presence of high CV: Fetal bradycardia during and between contractions
1000 mL of estrogen and arrhythmias, and record on flow chart. Report
nonhydrating IV concentrations and maternal cardiac change in rate and rhythm
solution and infuse at with the increased arrhythmias, immediately.
necessary rate to duration of hypertensive Stop infusion to prevent fetal
control uterine atony pregnancy episodes, subarachnoi anoxia, turn patient on her side,
d hemorrhage, and notify physician if
increased blood contractions are prolonged
flow, fatal (occurring at less than 2-min
afibrinogenemia, ECG intervals) and if monitor records
changes, contractions about 50 mm Hg or
PVCs, cardiovascular if contractions last 90 seconds or
spasm and collapse. longer. Stimulation will wane
GI: Neonatal jaundice, rapidly within 2–3 min. Oxygen
maternal nausea, administration may be
vomiting. necessary.
Endocrine: ADH If local or regional (caudal,
effects leading to spinal) anesthesia is being given
severe water to the patient receiving oxytocin,
intoxication and be alert to the possibility of
hyponatremia, hypertensive crisis (sudden
hypotension. intense occipital headache,
CNS: Fetal intracrania palpitation, marked
l hemorrhage, hypertension, stiff neck, nausea,
anxiety. vomiting, sweating, fever,
Respiratory: Fetal photophobia, dilated pupils,
hypoxia, maternal bradycardia or tachycardia,
dyspnea. constricting chest pain).
Urogenital: Uterine Monitor I&O during labor. If
hypertonicity, tetanic patient is receiving drug by
contractions, uterine prolonged IV infusion, watch for
rupture, pelvic symptoms of water intoxication
hematoma. (drowsiness, listlessness,
headache, confusion, anuria,
weight gain). Report changes in
alertness and orientation and
changes in I&O ratio (i.e.,
marked decrease in output with
excessive intake).
Check fundus frequently during
the first few postpartum hours
and several times daily
thereafter.
Incidence of hypersensitivity or
allergic reactions is higher when
oxytocin is given by IM or IV
injection rather than by IV