DRUG STUDY
Drug Study #1
Generic Name: Oxytocin
Classification: Uterine-active agents
Dosage: 10 units/mL
Route: Intravenous (IV), Intramuscular (IM)
Frequency: STAT
Therapeutic Actions: Oxytocin works by increasing the concentration of calcium inside muscle cells that control contraction of the uterus. By direct action on myofibrils, produces phasic contractions characteristic of normal delivery. Increased calcium increases contraction of the uterus. Promotes milk ejection (letdown) reflex in nursing mother, thereby increasing flow (not volume) of milk; also facilitates flow of milk during period of breast engorgement.
Indications:
• Initiation or improvement of uterine contractions to achieve early vaginal delivery for maternal or fetal reasons (IV)
• As adjunctive therapy in the management of inevitable or incomplete abortion (IV)
• Stimulation of uterine contractions during third stage of labor (IV)
• Stimulation reinforcement of labor, as in selected cases of uterine inertia (IV)
• Control of postpartum bleeding or hemorrhage (IV, IM)
• Induction of labor in patients with a medical indication for the initiation of labor (eg, Rh problems, maternal diabetes, preeclampsia at or near term) when in the best interest of mother and fetus or when membranes are prematurely ruptured and delivery is indicated (IV)
Contraindications:
• Hypersensitivity to the drug
• Significant cephalopelvic disproportion
• Inadequate, undeliverable fetal position; obstetric emergencies in which surgical intervention is preferred
• Cases of fetal distress in which delivery is not imminent
• Prolonged use in uterine inertia or severe toxemia; hypertonic or hyperactive uterine patterns
• When adequate uterine activity fails to achieve satisfactory response
• When vaginal delivery is contraindicated (eg, invasive cervical carcinoma, active herpes genitalis, total placenta previa, vasa previa, prolapse of the cord)
Adverse effects:
• Cardiovascular: cardiac...