Oxytocin

Pregnancy & gynaecology-specific. Every dose row is source-referenced; verify against institutional protocols.

OxytocinEMERGENCY KITUterotonic

Regimens checked: 2026-10-17. Each indication has its own preparation, limits and safety checks.

Oxytocin: indication-specific regimens
Indication	Dose	Route	Frequency	Duration / preparation	Maximum	Monitoring / cautions
Prevention of PPH after birth, distinct from treatment or labour augmentation WHO / FIGO / ICM · Consolidated edition (supersedes fragmented prior guidance incl. 2012 PPH recs; incorporates 2017 TXA recs, 2018 uterotonics, 2023 blood-loss assessment/treatment bundle)summary checked	10 IU	IM (or slow IV by the approved birth-unit protocol)	Once after birth	Single prophylactic dose · For a 10 IU/mL ampoule: 10 IU = 1 mL IM. Verify the strength. Never give a rapid undiluted IV bolus	10 IU for this prophylactic regimen	Monitor Quantified blood loss, uterine tone, BP/pulse, perfusion and urine output; record every dose and time Persistent shock or bleeding needs source control and blood products in parallel; do not wait for all drug doses Contraindications / cautions Do not use the PPH dose or infusion rate for labour induction
Atonic bleeding after delivery; treatment continues alongside the PPH bundle MSFchecked	5–10 IU slowly IV, then 20 IU in 1 L isotonic crystalloid over 2 hours (MSF regimen)	Slow IV loading + IV infusion	Loading followed immediately by infusion	Initial infusion over 2 h; reassess continuously and prescribe further treatment according to response · With 10 IU/mL stock, 20 IU = 2 mL added to 1 L sodium chloride 0.9% or Ringer lactate. Pump 500 mL/hour = 10 IU/hour. Include this litre in total resuscitation fluid	MSF maximum total oxytocin 60 IU; avoid rapid boluses and excessive fluid	Monitor Quantified blood loss, uterine tone, BP/pulse, perfusion and urine output; record every dose and time Persistent shock or bleeding needs source control and blood products in parallel; do not wait for all drug doses Fluid balance, sodium if prolonged/high-volume treatment; cardiac disease needs a separately prescribed concentrated infusion Contraindications / cautions Rapid IV injection can cause hypotension/tachycardia Monitor fluid overload, especially pre-eclampsia or cardiac disease
Inadequate contractions after obstetric assessment; exclude obstruction and contraindications to vaginal birth Panpharma / emcchecked	Start 1–4 milliunits/min; increase in 1–2 milliunits/min steps no more frequently than every 20 min (specified product label)	IV infusion pump	Continuous, titrated to contractions and fetal heart rate	Until effective labour/birth or an indication to stop; reassess the indication throughout · 5 IU in FINAL 500 mL isotonic fluid = 10 milliunits/mL: 1 milliunit/min = 6 mL/hour; 2 = 12; 4 = 24. Use a dedicated labelled pump	20 milliunits/min for the cited term-labour product regimen; higher rates require a different expressly authorised protocol	Monitor Continuous fetal monitoring and contraction frequency; target 3–4 contractions/10 min Stop/reduce for excessive contractions or abnormal fetal heart rate; evaluate immediately Contraindications / cautions Obstruction, fetal compromise requiring birth, contraindication to vaginal birth or uterine rupture risk Never give as an IV push; wait at least 4 h after oral misoprostol per its product label

Pregnancy safety

Intrinsic hormone; safe appropriately used

Lactation

Compatible

Adverse effects

Water intoxication (prolonged high-dose), hypotension (rapid push), tachysystole

WHO / FIGO / ICM · Consolidated edition (supersedes fragmented prior guidance incl. 2012 PPH recs; incorporates 2017 TXA recs, 2018 uterotonics, 2023 blood-loss assessment/treatment bundle)summary checkedIN REVIEW