Oxytocin Injection

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • labor contraction
  • diagnostic test
  • end a pregnancy
  • bleeding after childbirth

Brand Name(s): Pitocin

Generic Name: Oxytocin

Instructions

This medicine is given as an IV injection into a vein.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all your medicines. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • high blood sugar
  • pain, redness, swelling near injection
  • nausea and vomiting
  • stomach pain
  • cramping of the uterus or bleeding from the vagina

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • severe abdominal or pelvic pain
  • loss of balance
  • chest pain
  • confusion
  • ear problems (ringing in the ears, hearing loss)
  • fainting
  • hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
  • severe or persistent headache
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • muscle cramps
  • seizures
  • shortness of breath
  • excessive vaginal bleeding
  • weakness

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

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