• Class: Hormone (Peptide)
• Produced by: Hypothalamus, released by posterior pituitary
• Drug category: Uterotonic agent

Binds to oxytocin receptors on the uterus → increases intracellular calcium → stimulates uterine smooth muscle contraction.

Also causes contraction of myoepithelial cells in the breast → milk ejection (let-down reflex).

• Induction and augmentation of labor
• Prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)
• Management of incomplete or missed abortion
• Promotes milk let-down in lactating mothers (off-label)

• Labor induction: IV infusion (start low, titrate based on uterine response)
• PPH prevention: 10 IU IM or IV slowly after delivery of the placenta
• PPH treatment: 10–40 IU in 1L NS/RL IV infusion

• Uterine hyperstimulation → fetal distress or uterine rupture
• Water intoxication (due to ADH-like effect in high doses)
• Hypotension (if given IV bolus)
• Nausea and vomiting

• Cephalopelvic disproportion
• Malpresentation (e.g., breech)
• Fetal distress without immediate delivery option
• Previous uterine surgery (relative contraindication)

• Onset of labor induction
• Xtra uterine tone (contracts uterus)
• Yielding milk ejection
• Treats postpartum hemorrhage
• Overdose → water retention, hypotension
• Contraindicated in uterine rupture risk
• IV or IM administration
• Nonapeptide hormone