COMPOSITION
Each ml contains:
Oxytocin BP 5IU(8.33mcg)/10IU(16.66mcg)
Chlorobutanol BP 0.5%w/v
Water for Injection USP q.s.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Systemic hormonal preparations excl sex hormones and insulins.
ATC code: H01B B02
The active principle of oxytocin is a synthetic nonapeptide identical with oxytocin, a hormone
released by the posterior lobe of the pituitary. It exerts a stimulatory effect on the smooth
musculature of the uterus, particularly towards the end of pregnancy, during labour, after
delivery, and in the puerperium, i.e., at times when the number of specific oxytocin receptors in
the myometrium is increased.
When given by low-dose iv infusion, oxytocin elicits rhythmic uterine contractions that are
indistinguishable in frequency, force, and duration from those observed during spontaneous
labour. At higher infusion dosages, or when given by single injection, the drug is capable of
causing sustained uterine contractions.
Being synthetic, oxytocin does not contain vasopressin, but even in its pure form oxytocin
possesses some weak intrinsic vasopressin-like antidiuretic activity.
Another pharmacological effect observed with high doses of oxytocin, particularly when
administered by rapid iv bolus injection, consists of a transient direct relaxing effect on vascular
smooth muscle, resulting in brief hypotension, flushing and reflex tachycardia..
Pharmacokinetic properties
The plasma half-life of oxytocin is of the order of five minutes, hence the need for continuous iv
infusion. Elimination is via the liver, kidney, functional mammary gland and oxytocinase.Oxytocin Injection BP Injection 5IUml & 10IUml
