What serious adverse effects are associated with oxytocin Pitocin )? Select all that apply?
If you’ve been looking into labor techniques, you may have heard about Pitocin inductions. There’s a lot to learn about the benefits and drawbacks, and we’re here to guide you through it. Show
An induction with Pitocin means your doctor or midwife will help start your labor using a medicine called Pitocin, which is a synthetic version of oxytocin. Oxytocin is the hormone that your body naturally produces to induce contractions, as well as serving as the famous “love” hormone. Pitocin is delivered through an IV in your arm and your nurse will gradually raise the level of Pitocin you are receiving until you are having regular contractions about every 2 to 3 minutes. At that point, your Pitocin will either be left on until you deliver, adjusted if your contractions become too strong or fast or taper off, or your healthcare provider may shut off the Pitocin all together. Sometimes, an initial dose of Pitocin is enough to “kick” your body into going into labor on its own. No induction will start with Pitocin unless your cervix is favorable. What does that mean? Essentially, a “favorable” cervix is one that’s already gearing up for labor. If your body is nowhere near ready to have a baby, your cervix will be “closed, thick, and high,” meaning it won’t be dilated or effaced at all. It will also still be facing “backwards.” As your body preps for labor, your cervix softens and opens. It “rotates” to the front to get in the right position for letting your baby out. You can’t be induced with Pitocin unless your cervix is ready, because Pitocin won’t change your cervix. Pitocin can induce contractions, but unless your cervix is prepped and ready to go, those contractions aren’t going to actually do anything. It’s kind of like how you need to warm up an engine before it’s ready to go. Without the prep work, it’s just not going to work properly. Doctors “rate” a cervix with a Bishop score before deciding if it’s ready for an induction. Anything less than a six means the cervix may not be ready for labor. If your cervix is ready, however, Pitocin could become an option. There are some benefits to being induced including getting your baby delivered if you’re overdue. Other benefits include:
Simply put: Inductions are medically necessary in cases when the risk of the baby staying in utero exceeds the risk of the induction. As with many medical procedures and interventions, there are risks with a Pitocin induction. These include:
Starting an induction is usually the start of a long process, so your doctor will likely proceed with caution and with your input. You’ll likely start with a cervical ripening agent (medication), if needed, which can take hours to work. After that, Pitocin could be the next step. Once you are on Pitocin, you must be strictly monitored and remain in bed. Contractions typically start about 30 minutes after starting Pitocin. You’re also not allowed to eat. This is because of the risk of aspiration in the event that you need an emergency cesarean delivery. Pitocin-induced contractions might interfere with rest, too, so both you and the baby can get tired out. It isn’t uncommon to see inductions stretch out for days, most commonly for first-time moms who have not gone through labor yet. Most of the time, the parents-to-be don’t expect it to take that long. Mental and emotional frustration can have an impact on labor, too. Check in with your medical team to make sure you’ve got what you need to rest and stay calm. If you’re considering an induction (with a favorable cervix!) or your OB says one is medically necessary (if your blood pressure is high, for example), talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. We know an induction can sound scary, and understanding exactly what it involves is key. Unless a Pitocin induction is medically necessary, it’s often better to let labor happen on its own. But if you end up inducing, don’t worry — communicate with your doctor to make sure you know what’s going on and how they can help you deliver safely and happily. Description and Brand NamesDrug information provided by: IBM Micromedex US Brand Name
DescriptionsOxytocin is a hormone used to help start or continue labor and to control bleeding after delivery. It is also sometimes used to help milk secretion in breast-feeding. Oxytocin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. In general, oxytocin should not be used to start labor unless there are specific medical reasons. Be sure you have discussed this with your doctor before receiving this medicine. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. Novartis Pharmaceuticals removed Syntocinon® nasal spray from the market in March 1995. Before UsingIn deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered: AllergiesTell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully. PediatricNo information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of oxytocin in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established. GeriatricNo information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of oxytocin in geriatric patients. BreastfeedingStudies suggest that this medication may alter milk production or composition. If an alternative to this medication is not prescribed, you should monitor the infant for side effects and adequate milk intake. Drug InteractionsAlthough certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Other InteractionsCertain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco. Other Medical ProblemsThe presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Proper UseA nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins or as a shot into one of your muscles. PrecautionsOxytocin can be very useful for helping labor. However, there are certain risks with using it. Oxytocin causes contractions of the uterus. In women who are unusually sensitive to its effects, these contractions may become too strong. In rare cases, this may lead to tearing of the uterus. Also, if contractions are too strong, the supply of blood and oxygen to the fetus may be decreased. Oxytocin may cause jaundice and eye problems such as retinal hemorrhage in some newborn infants. If you have concerns about this, ask your doctor. This medicine may cause a serious condition called water intoxication. Tell your doctor right away if you start having have confusion, drowsiness, headache, or seizures while you are receiving this medicine. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur: Rare
Incidence not known
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur: Symptoms of overdose
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: Rare
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2022 Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/oxytocin-intravenous-route-intramuscular-route/side-effects/drg-20065254 Copyright © 2022 IBM Watson Health. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. . What are adverse effects of Pitocin?The more common side-effects of Pitocin include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and irritation at the injection site. Misuse of Pitocin can cause fluid retention, uterine rupture, painful contractions, and hyperstimulation.
What is the most common adverse effect of labour induction with oxytocin?In most cases, the benefits of inducing labor with oxytocin will outweigh the risks to the baby. Common side effects may include: nausea, vomiting; or. more intense or more frequent contractions (this is an expected effect of oxytocin).
What is the most significant risk to a client receiving oxytocin for labor induction?The main adverse effects of oxytocin are related to uterine hyperstimulation, where there's too much contraction. This could cause painful contractions, and lead to uterine rupture and hemorrhage.
What is the most common oxytocin use complication?Common side effects of oxytocin include:. Slow heart rate.. Fast heart rate.. Premature ventricular complexes and other irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Permanent central nervous system (CNS) or brain damage, and death secondary to suffocation.. Neonatal seizure.. Neonatal yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice). Fetal death.. |