Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a synthetic hormone identical to the naturally occurring hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It is primarily used in obstetrics to induce or augment labor, manage postpartum hemorrhage, and stimulate breast milk production during lactation.
Oxytocin is a hormone used to induce labor, control bleeding after delivery, and support breastfeeding.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- H01BV02
- RxNorm
- unknown
- Generic
- Oxytocin
- Class
- atc-h01
- Brands
- Pitocin
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- safe
- Half-life (h)
- 0.1
- Onset (min)
- 3
- Duration (h)
- 0
- Routes
- intravenous, intranasal
- Forms
- injection, nasal spray
- Regions
- United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, Japan
- Monitoring
- uterine contractions, fetal heart rate, maternal blood pressure, fluid balance
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid unless medically necessary
avoid use during first trimester for labor induction unless benefits clearly outweigh risks
fetal heart rate monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterstandard dosing under medical supervision
commonly used for labor induction and postpartum hemorrhage control when medically indicated
continuous fetal monitoring and uterine activity tracking
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
safe for use during lactation to stimulate milk ejection; intranasal form commonly used for breastfeeding support
none specific
geriatric
elderlyuse lowest effective dose
limited data in elderly; use with caution if indicated for postpartum hemorrhage
monitor cardiovascular status and fluid balance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonatesdosing must be weight-based and very carefully monitored
rarely used in neonates; only in specialized neonatal care settings for specific indications
continuous vital sign monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate to severeconsider dose reduction in severe impairment
use with caution; monitor renal function and fluid status
monitor renal function tests and electrolytes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeuse with caution, no specific dosing adjustment
use with caution; liver plays minimal role in oxytocin metabolism
monitor liver function and coagulation parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information for obstetric use
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications
Common route
Standard administration methods
Induction and augmentation of labor, prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, stimulation of milk ejection during breastfeeding, and management of incomplete or inevitable abortion.
Oxytocin binds to oxytocin receptors on uterine smooth muscle, causing rhythmic contractions. In mammary tissue, it stimulates contraction of myoepithelial cells to promote milk ejection.
Must be administered under close medical supervision due to risk of hyperstimulation, fetal distress, and water intoxication. Contraindicated in cases of cephalopelvic disproportion, fetal distress, or hypersensitivity. Requires careful titration and monitoring of uterine activity and fetal heart rate.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy