Pitocin Side Effects
Generic Name: Oxytocin
Please note - some side effects for Pitocin may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).
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For the consumer For the professional
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Side Effects of Pitocin - for the consumer
Pitocin
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Pitocin:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Pitocin:Nausea; vomiting; more intense or abrupt contractions of the uterus.
TopSevere allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood clotting problems; changes in heart rate; heavy or continued bleeding after childbirth; irregular heartbeat; pooling of blood in the pelvis; ruptured uterus.
Fetus: Bleeding in the eye; irregular heartbeat; seizures; slow heartbeat.
For the professional
Pitocin
The following adverse reactions have been reported in the mother:
| Anaphylactic reaction | Premature ventricular contractions |
| Postpartum hemorrhage | Pelvic hematoma |
| Cardiac arrhythmia | Subarachnoid hemorrhage |
| Fatal afibrinogenemia | Hypertensive episodes |
| Nausea | Rupture of the uterus |
| Vomiting |
Excessive dosage or hypersensitivity to the drug may result in uterine hypertonicity, spasm, tetanic contraction, or rupture of the uterus.
The possibility of increased blood loss and afibrinogenemia should be kept in mind when administering the drug.
Severe water intoxication with convulsions and coma has occurred, associated with a slow oxytocin infusion over a 24-hour period. Maternal death due to oxytocin-induced water intoxication has been reported.
The following adverse reactions have been reported in the fetus or neonate:
| Due to induced uterine motility: | Due to use of oxytocin in the mother: |
| Bradycardia | Low Apgar scores at five minutes |
| Premature ventricular contractions and other arrhythmias | Neonatal jaundice |
| Permanent CNS or brain damage | Neonatal retinal hemorrhage |
| Fetal death | |
| Neonatal seizures have been reported with the use of Pitocin. |
More resources:
Pitocin - Includes detailed dosage instructions.
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