Oxytocin nasal spray

Administration of oxytocin may result in fetal bradycardia, uterine rupture, uterine hypertonicity, nausea, vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, and anaphylactic reactions. Serious water intoxication (fluid overload, fluid volume excess) may occur, particularly when the drug is administered by continuous infusion and the patient is receiving fluids by mouth. When used as a nasal spray, adverse reactions are rare. 

Oxytocin (Pitocin, Syntocinon) causes milk release (letdown) by stimulating contraction of the myoepithelial cells of the milk ducts in lactating mammary glands this forces milk from the alveoli of the breast. Oxytocin release is stimulated by suckling and by auditory and visual stimuli, such as a baby s cry. Oxytocin is available as a nasal spray, which is used as an aid to lactation when milk ejection is impaired. 

Oxytocin may be given by intravenous infusion (e.g., labor induction), intramuscular injection (e.g., control of postpartum bleeding), or as a nasal spray (e.g., to promote milk ejection). 

Oxytocin is usually administered intravenously for stimulation of labor. It is also available as a nasal spray to induce lactation postpartum. It is inactive if swallowed, because it is destroyed in the stomach and intestine. Oxytocin is not bound to plasma proteins and is catabolized by the kidneys and liver, with a circulating half-life of 5 minutes. 

Oxytocin is reflexly released from the pituitary following suckling (also by manual stimulation of the nipple) and causes almost immediate contraction of the myoepithelium of the breast it can be used to enhance milk ejection (nasal spray). The only other clinically important effect is on the blood pressure, which may fall if an overdose is given. 

Oxytcxrin preparations are widely used with or without umniotomy to induce and stimulate labor. Although injection Is the u.sual mute of administration, the sublingual route is extremely effective. Sublingual and intranasal spray (Oxytocin Nasal Solution. USP) routes of administration also will stimuliile milk letdown. 

A. Oxytocin Oxytocin is a nonapeptide synthesized in cell bodies in the paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus and transported through the axons of these cells to the posterior pituitary, where the peptide is released into the circulation. Oxytocin is an effective stimulant of uterine contraction and is often used intravenously to induce or reinforce labor. Because it causes contraction of smooth muscle in the myoepithelial cells of the mammary gland, oxytocin also can be used by lactating women as a nasal spray to stimulate milk let-down. 

Oxytocin (e.g., Pitocin) T force and frequency of uterine contractions. Most pronounced in near-term uterus. Contraction of myoepithelium surrounding alveoli of mammary gland. Antidiuretic (vasopressin) effects. Drug of choice to induce or accelerate labor, to decrease postpartum uterine bleeding. Stimulates milk ejection from breast (nasal spray). ... 

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