Side Effects of Pitocin (oxytocin)

Pitocin (oxytocin) is a protein produced by the pituitary gland of mammals including man. Pitocin is a man-made version of oxytocin used to stimulate contraction of the uterus. Pitocin works by increasing the concentration of calcium inside muscle cells that control contraction of the uterus. Increased calcium increases contraction of the uterus. 

Common side effects of Pitocin include

• nausea and
• vomiting.

Serious side effects of Pitocin include

• severe allergic reactions,
• bleeding after childbirth,
• abnormal heartbeats,
• high blood pressure (hypertension), and
• rupture of the uterus.

Drug interactions of Pitocin include mefloquine. Pitocin should not be used during pregnancy unless for inducing labor or abortion.

Pitocin may be secreted in breast milk. Mothers should not breastfeed for at least one day after stopping Pitocin.

Side effects of oxytocin include:

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• severe allergic reactions,
• bleeding after child birth,
• abnormal heart beats,
• high blood pressure, and
• rupture of the uterus.

The following adverse reactions have been reported in the mother:

• Anaphylactic reaction
• Premature ventricular contractions
• Postpartum hemorrhage
• Pelvic hematoma
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage
• Fatal afibrinogenemia
• Hypertensive episodes
• Nausea
• Rupture of the uterus
• Vomiting

Excessive dosage or hypersensitivity to the drug may result in

• uterine hypertonicity,
• spasm,
• tetanic contraction, or
• rupture of the uterus.

The possibility of increased blood loss and afibrinogenemia should be kept in mind when administering the drug.

Severe water intoxication with convulsions and coma has occurred, associated with a slow oxytocin infusion over a 24-hour period. Maternal death due to oxytocin-induced water intoxication has been reported.

The following adverse reactions have been reported in the fetus or neonate:

For medical advice about adverse reactions contact your medical professional. To report suspected adverse reactions, contact JHP at 1-866-923-2547 or MEDWATCH at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1- 800-332-1088) or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/.

Severe hypertension has been reported when oxytocin was given three to four hours following prophylactic administration of a vasoconstrictor in conjunction with caudal block anesthesia.

Cyclopropane anesthesia may modify oxytocin's cardiovascular effects, so as to produce unexpected results such as hypotension. Maternal sinus bradycardia with abnormal atrioventricular rhythms has also been noted when oxytocin was used concomitantly with cyclopropane anesthesia.