Oxtimon Dosage/Direction for Use

Induction or enhancement of labour: Oxytocin Injection should be administered as an intravenous drip infusion or, preferably, by means of a variable-speed infusion pump. For drip infusion it is recommended that 10 I.U. of Oxytocin Injection be added to 1L of a physiologic electrolyte solution. For patients in whom infusion of sodium chloride must be avoided, 5% dextrose solution may be used as the diluent (see Precautions). To ensure even mixing, the bottle or bag must be turned upside down several times before use. The initial infusion rate should be set at 1-4 mU/min (2-8 drops/min). It may be gradually increased at intervals not shorter than 20 min, until a contraction pattern similar to that of normal labour is established. In pregnancy near term this can often be achieved with an infusion of less than 10 mU/min (20 drops/min), and the recommended maximum rate is 20 mU/min (40 drops/min). In the unusual event that higher rates are required, as may occur in the management of fetal death in utero or for induction of labour at an earlier stage of pregnancy, when the uterus is less sensitive to oxytocin, it is advisable to use a more concentrated Oxytocin Injection solution, e.g. 10 I.U. in 500 mL. When using a motor-driven infusion pump which delivers smaller volumes than those given by drip infusion, the concentration suitable for infusion with the recommended dosage range must be calculated according to the specifications of the pump. The frequency, strength and duration of contractions as well as the fetal heart must be carefully monitored throughout the infusion. Once an adequate level of uterine activity is attained, the infusion rate can often be reduced. In the event of uterine hyperactivity and/or fetal distress, the infusion must be discontinued immediately. If, in women who are at term or near term, regular contractions are not established after the infusion of a total amount of 5 I.U., it is recommended that the attempt to induce labour be ceased; it may be repeated on the following day, starting again from a rate of 1-4 mU/min.
Cesarean section: 5 I.U. by slow intravenous injection immediately after delivery.
Prevention of postpartum hemorrhage: The usual dose is 5 I.U slowly IV after delivery of the placenta. In women given Oxytocin Injection for induction or enhancement of labour, the infusion should be continued at an increased rate during the third stage of labour and for the next few hours thereafter.
Treatment of postpartum uterine hemorrhage: 5-10 I.U. IM or 5 I.U. slowly IV, followed in severe cases by intravenous infusion of a solution containing 5-20 I.U. of oxytocin in 500 mL of a non-hydrating diluent, run at the rate necessary to control uterine atony.
Incomplete, inevitable, or missed abortion: 5 I.U. IM or slowly IV, if necessary followed by intravenous infusion at a rate of 20-40 mU/min or higher.
Or as prescribed by the physician.