Category:

• Nervous System

Description:

• Oxytocic

Indications:

• Postpartum/postabortal hemorrhage due to uterine atony

Contraindications:

• Augmentation of labor; administration before delivery of placenta

• Threatened spontaneous abortion

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category D; not recommended for routine use prior to delivery of the placenta; may lower prolactin levels, which may decrease lactation

• Calcium deficiency, prolonged use, hypertension, heart disease

• Venoarterial shunts, mitral valve stenosis, obliterative vascular disease, sepsis

• Renal or hepatic disease

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• CNS: dizziness, fainting, headache

• CV: chest pain, hypertension

• EENT: tinnitus

• GU: cramping

• MISC: sweating, dyspnea

Dosage:

Administered intramuscularly and intravenously

• Adult: 

  • IM/IV 0.2mg, severe uterine bleeding may require repeated doses, but rarely more than 0.2mg per 2-4 hours (confine IV route to emergencies)