Protocin Dosage/Direction for Use

Labor induction or stimulation: Oxytocin is given by IV infusion or even better by using an infusion pump which can set for the speed. For drip infusion, it is recommended to add 5 IU Oxytocin in 500 ml physiological electrolyte solution (such as 0.9% NaCl). For patients who should not be given NaCl, NaCl can be replaced with 5% dextrose solution (See Precautions). To ensure the solution was mixed well, infusion bottles should be turned upside down several times before use.
Initial infusion rate should be 1-4 mU/min (2-8 drops/minute). This speed is increased gradually at intervals not shorter than 20 minutes, until a contraction pattern similar to a normal delivery is achieved. In pregnancy closer to the date, this can be achieved with the infusion rate of less than 10 mU/min (20 drops/min), and the maximum recommended speed is 20 mU/min (40 drops/min).
In some unusual events whereas the higher speeds are required, such as the death of the fetus in the uterus or for the stimulation of labor in early pregnancy, when the uterus is less sensitive to oxytocin, it is recommended to use a more concentrated Oxytocin solution, for example 10 IU in 500 ml.
When using a motor-controlled infusion pump in which the volume of the solution that is delivered is less than that in drip infusion, the recommended dose should be recalculated in accordance with the specifications of the pump. Frequency, strength and duration of contractions and the baby's heart rate should be monitored closely during infusion. When the right uterus activity level is reached, the infusion rate may be reduced. In the case of uterine hyperactivity happened and/or in a state of fetal distress, the infusion should be discontinued immediately.
For women who is near delivery time, if the regular contraction has not been reached yet after oxytocin 5 IU infused, it is recommended to stop the stimulation activities; the stimulation can be repeated in the next day, initially start on 1-4 mU/minute.
Caesarean section: 5 IU dose is given by intravenous infusion (5 IU is diluted with physiological electrolyte solution and even better if it is given by intravenous drops infusion with variety infusion rate for more than 5 minutes), immediately after delivery.
Prevention of uterine bleeding after childbirth: The prevalent dose is 5 IU Oxytocin given by intravenous infusion (5 IU is diluted with physiological electrolyte solution and even better if it is given by intravenous drops infusion with variety infusion rate for more than 5 minutes) or 5-10 IU given by IM injection after placenta delivery. In women given oxytocin to stimulate labor, the infusion should be continued at a pace that improved during the third stage of labor and for the next several hours.
Treatment of uterine bleeding after childbirth: The prevalent dose is 5 IU Oxytocin given by intravenous infusion (5 IU is diluted with physiological electrolyte solution and even better if it is given by intravenous drops infusion with variety infusion rate for more than 5 minutes) or 5-10 IU given by I.M injection, for more severe cases the medication is followed by an IV infusion with a solution containing 5-20 IU of oxytocin in 500 mL of electrolyte solution, in sufficient rate to monitor the uterus atony.
Incomplete, unavoidable miscarriage or abortion failure: The prevalent dose is 5 IU Oxytocin given by intravenous infusion (5 IU is diluted with physiological electrolyte solution and even better if it is given by intravenous drops infusion with variety infusion rate for more than 5 minutes) or 5-10 IU given by I.M injection, if necessary the medication can be followed by giving an IV infusion in the rate of 20-40 mU or faster.