Each 1 mL of solution contains 5 IU of oxytocin.
It stimulates the smooth muscles of the uterus to contract, mimicking normal labour contractions, which results in dilation of the cervix. During pregnancy, the uterus gradually becomes more responsive to oxytocin, reaching its peak near term.
It may also stimulate the contraction of the smooth muscles of the mammary glands, thereby facilitating milk ejection, but it does not increase the amount of milk secretion.
Indications
Before labour
- Induction of labour for medical reasons, such as post-term pregnancy, premature rupture of the membranes, and pregnancy-induced hypertension (pre-eclampsia).
- Stimulation of hypotonic labour.
- As adjunctive therapy for the management of incomplete, inevitable, or missed abortion in the early stages of pregnancy.
After labour
- During caesarean section, but only after delivery of the baby.
- Prevention and treatment of postpartum uterine atony and haemorrhage.