OXYTOCIN 10 i.u. (Minapharm) Solution for injection

What is OXYTOCIN 10 i.u. (Minapharm)

OXYTOCIN 10 I.U. (Minapharm) is a sterile injectable solution containing Oxytocin, a synthetic form of a natural hormone produced by the posterior pituitary gland. Oxytocin plays a crucial role in childbirth and lactation. It is commonly administered in medical settings to induce or augment labor, manage postpartum bleeding, and facilitate uterine contractions after delivery or abortion.

• Each 1 ml ampoule contains 10 International Units (I.U.) of Oxytocin.
• Packaged in 10 ampoules per box (10 x 1 ml), intended for hospital or clinical use.
• Used primarily in obstetrics and gynecology under the supervision of qualified medical personnel.
• Belongs to the pharmacological class of posterior pituitary hormones.
• Essential in managing uterine atony, postpartum hemorrhage, and labor induction protocols.

How to use OXYTOCIN 10 i.u. (Minapharm)

OXYTOCIN should always be administered by trained medical professionals due to its potent effects and the need for close monitoring during administration.

• Route of Administration: Intravenous (IV) infusion or intramuscular (IM) injection depending on the indication.
• Labor Induction: Usually initiated via IV infusion with a titrated dose based on uterine response and fetal condition.
• Postpartum Hemorrhage: Administered IM or IV immediately after delivery to contract the uterus and reduce bleeding.
• Dosage and rate of infusion should be tailored to each individual and guided by uterine contractions, fetal heart monitoring, and maternal status.
• Infusion should always be diluted and administered through an infusion pump to control the rate and avoid complications such as uterine hyperstimulation.
• Monitoring: Continuous fetal heart monitoring and maternal vital signs are critical during administration.

Mode of Action OXYTOCIN 10 i.u. (Minapharm)

Oxytocin acts directly on the smooth muscle of the uterus to promote rhythmic contractions and facilitate labor and postpartum recovery.

• Uterotonic Action: Binds to specific oxytocin receptors in the uterine myometrium, stimulating calcium influx and muscle contraction.
• Positive Feedback Loop: Enhances natural labor by reinforcing the contraction cycle until delivery is completed.
• Postpartum Use: Causes sustained uterine contraction, minimizing blood loss and promoting uterine involution.
• Lactation Role: Oxytocin also promotes milk let-down in breastfeeding by acting on myoepithelial cells of the mammary glands.
• Has no significant analgesic properties and does not initiate labor if the cervix is not ripe or favorable.

OXYTOCIN 10 i.u. (Minapharm) Interactions OXYTOCIN 10 i.u. (Minapharm)

Drug interactions with Oxytocin may influence its efficacy and safety, particularly when used with other medications that affect uterine tone or cardiovascular status.

• Prostaglandins: Concurrent use may enhance uterotonic effects and increase risk of uterine hyperstimulation or rupture.
• Vasoconstrictors (e.g., ephedrine): May potentiate hypertensive effects, especially when combined with regional anesthesia.
• Inhaled Anesthetics: Agents like halothane and cyclopropane may reduce uterine response to oxytocin and increase the risk of hypotension.
• Ergot Alkaloids: Caution advised when switching between or combining with ergometrine or methylergometrine due to additive vasoconstrictive effects.
• Drugs causing QT prolongation: May enhance the arrhythmogenic potential of Oxytocin when used with other QT-prolonging agents.

Dosage of OXYTOCIN 10 i.u. (Minapharm)

Dosage of Oxytocin must be carefully tailored based on the clinical indication and the patient's physiological response.

• Induction or Augmentation of Labor:
  • Initial IV infusion at 0.5–1 mU/min, increased by 1–2 mU/min at intervals of 30–60 minutes based on response.
  • Maximum safe infusion rate typically does not exceed 20 mU/min.
• Postpartum Hemorrhage:
  • 10 I.U. IM immediately after delivery, or 10–40 I.U. diluted in 1,000 mL of IV fluid, administered by infusion.
• Cesarean Section:
  • 5–10 I.U. administered slowly IV after delivery of the infant.
• Precautions:
  • Always use an infusion pump for controlled delivery.
  • Continuous monitoring of fetal heart rate, uterine contractions, and maternal blood pressure is essential.

Possible side effects of OXYTOCIN 10 i.u. (Minapharm)

While Oxytocin is generally well tolerated when used correctly, it may cause adverse reactions, particularly if dosage is not closely regulated.

• Maternal Side Effects:
  • Uterine hyperstimulation (tachysystole)
  • Uterine rupture, especially in women with previous uterine surgery
  • Hypotension or hypertension
  • Nausea, vomiting, and headache
  • Water intoxication and hyponatremia (with prolonged high-dose infusion)
• Fetal Side Effects:
  • Fetal distress due to reduced uteroplacental perfusion
  • Bradycardia or decelerations
  • Neonatal jaundice and low Apgar scores (if labor is prolonged or complicated)
• Allergic Reactions:
  • Rare cases of anaphylaxis or rash

OXYTOCIN 10 i.u. (Minapharm) Contraindications OXYTOCIN 10 i.u. (Minapharm)

OXYTOCIN is contraindicated in situations where labor induction or uterine stimulation may pose serious risks to the mother or fetus.

• Absolute Contraindications:
  • Cephalopelvic disproportion
  • Obstructed labor
  • Unfavorable fetal position (e.g., transverse lie)
  • Placenta previa or vasa previa
  • Previous uterine rupture or major uterine surgery
• Relative Contraindications:
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Grand multiparity
  • Severe maternal cardiovascular disorders
• Allergy: Known hypersensitivity to Oxytocin or formulation excipients.

Storage of OXYTOCIN 10 i.u. (Minapharm)

Proper storage of Oxytocin is crucial to maintain its stability and therapeutic effectiveness.

• Store between 2°C and 8°C (refrigerated conditions).
• Protect from light and freezing.
• Do not use after the expiration date stated on the label.
• Once an ampoule is opened, it should be used immediately and not stored for later use.
• Keep out of reach of children and unauthorized personnel.
• Discard unused or expired ampoules in accordance with local medical waste regulations.