OXYTOCIN 5 I.U. (Minapharm) Solution for injection

What is OXYTOCIN 5 I.U. (Minapharm)

OXYTOCIN 5 I.U. (Minapharm) is a sterile solution for injection that contains the synthetic hormone Oxytocin, which mimics the natural oxytocin produced by the posterior pituitary gland. It is primarily used in obstetric and gynecological settings to facilitate labor, manage postpartum hemorrhage, and promote uterine contractions during delivery or after abortion.

• Each 1 ml ampoule contains 5 International Units (I.U.) of Oxytocin.
• Packaged as 10 ampoules per box (10 x 1 ml).
• Administered under medical supervision to ensure appropriate monitoring of mother and fetus.
• Commonly used in maternity hospitals during labor induction, augmentation, and after delivery for hemorrhage control.
• Belongs to the class of uterotonic agents that directly stimulate the uterine muscles.

How to use OXYTOCIN 5 I.U. (Minapharm)

OXYTOCIN should only be administered by trained healthcare professionals due to its potent physiological effects and the need for close monitoring. It is typically administered by intravenous (IV) infusion or intramuscular (IM) injection depending on the indication.

• Route of Administration: IV infusion (diluted) or direct IM injection.
• Labor Induction or Augmentation:
  • Begins with a low IV infusion rate using a controlled infusion pump.
  • Dosage is titrated based on uterine contraction frequency and fetal response.
• Postpartum Hemorrhage:
  • IM injection of 5–10 I.U. may be administered immediately after placenta delivery.
  • Alternatively, it may be diluted in IV fluids for continuous infusion.
• Monitor maternal vital signs and fetal heart rate continuously during infusion.
• Always dilute Oxytocin appropriately and administer slowly to prevent adverse effects.

Mode of Action OXYTOCIN 5 I.U. (Minapharm)

Oxytocin exerts its action by directly stimulating uterine smooth muscle to induce rhythmic contractions, facilitating childbirth and reducing postpartum bleeding.

• Receptor Activation: Binds to oxytocin receptors on uterine smooth muscle cells, which are upregulated during pregnancy.
• Calcium Mobilization: Increases intracellular calcium, leading to enhanced muscle contractility.
• Positive Feedback Loop: During labor, contractions stimulate more oxytocin release, enhancing contraction strength and frequency.
• Milk Ejection: Promotes milk let-down by contracting myoepithelial cells around mammary alveoli in lactating women.
• Rapid Onset: Effects occur within minutes when given IV, providing effective control of uterine tone.

OXYTOCIN 5 I.U. (Minapharm) Interactions OXYTOCIN 5 I.U. (Minapharm)

Oxytocin may interact with various drugs that affect cardiovascular function or uterine contractility. These interactions require close monitoring to prevent complications.

• Prostaglandins: Additive effect on uterine contraction; risk of overstimulation.
• Vasopressors (e.g., ephedrine): May enhance hypertensive effects when used with regional anesthesia.
• Volatile Anesthetics (e.g., halothane, isoflurane): May reduce Oxytocin’s effect and increase risk of hypotension or arrhythmias.
• Ergot Alkaloids: Concurrent use may result in severe vasoconstriction and hypertension.
• Drugs Prolonging QT Interval: Oxytocin may enhance their pro-arrhythmic potential.

Dosage of OXYTOCIN 5 I.U. (Minapharm)

Dosage should be individualized and based on clinical indication, patient response, and institutional protocols. Proper dilution and administration techniques are essential.

• Induction or Augmentation of Labor:
  • Initial dose: 0.5–1 mU/min via IV infusion.
  • Increase by 1–2 mU/min every 30–60 minutes as needed.
  • Typical maintenance: 6–20 mU/min, adjusted based on uterine activity.
• Postpartum Hemorrhage:
  • 5–10 I.U. IM immediately after delivery of the placenta.
  • Alternatively, dilute 10–40 I.U. in 1,000 mL of IV fluids and infuse as needed.
• Cesarean Delivery: 5 I.U. slow IV injection post-delivery.
• Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of uterine tone, fetal status, and maternal vitals is required throughout administration.

Possible side effects of OXYTOCIN 5 I.U. (Minapharm)

Oxytocin, while generally safe under supervision, may cause a range of adverse effects, particularly when administered in high doses or too rapidly.

• Maternal Side Effects:
  • Uterine hyperstimulation or rupture
  • Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramping
  • Water intoxication and hyponatremia (especially with prolonged IV use)
  • Hypotension or reflex hypertension
  • Allergic reactions (rash, anaphylaxis—rare)
• Fetal Side Effects:
  • Fetal distress due to excessive uterine contractions
  • Bradycardia or variable decelerations
  • Neonatal jaundice or low Apgar scores in prolonged labor

OXYTOCIN 5 I.U. (Minapharm) Contraindications OXYTOCIN 5 I.U. (Minapharm)

OXYTOCIN is contraindicated in clinical situations where increased uterine activity could pose risks to the mother or fetus.

• Absolute Contraindications:
  • Cephalopelvic disproportion
  • Obstructed labor
  • Fetal distress when delivery is not imminent
  • Active genital herpes
  • Placenta previa or vasa previa
  • Previous uterine rupture or high-risk uterine scarring
• Hypersensitivity: Known allergy to Oxytocin or any component of the formulation.

Storage of OXYTOCIN 5 I.U. (Minapharm)

Proper storage is critical to ensure the stability and efficacy of Oxytocin.

• Store in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C.
• Protect from light and do not freeze.
• Keep ampoules in the original packaging until use to prevent degradation.
• Once opened, the ampoule should be used immediately and not stored for later use.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Dispose of unused or expired ampoules in accordance with local pharmaceutical waste disposal guidelines.