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Continuous Oxytocin
Continuous oxytocin stimulates uterine muscle contractions and promotes milk letdown by binding to oxytocin receptors on myoepithelial cells.
Continuous oxytocin stimulates uterine muscle contractions and promotes milk letdown by binding to oxytocin receptors on myoepithelial cells. Used for Labor induction, Augmentation of labor, Prevention or treatment of postpartum hemorrhage.
At a glance
| Generic name | Continuous Oxytocin |
|---|---|
| Also known as | syntocinon |
| Sponsor | Ain Shams Maternity Hospital |
| Drug class | Oxytocin receptor agonist |
| Target | Oxytocin receptor (OXTR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Obstetrics |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Oxytocin is a naturally occurring peptide hormone that acts on G-protein coupled oxytocin receptors located on uterine smooth muscle and breast tissue. In obstetric settings, continuous infusion induces or augments labor by triggering rhythmic uterine contractions. It also facilitates milk ejection during lactation by contracting myoepithelial cells in mammary glands.
Approved indications
- Labor induction
- Augmentation of labor
- Prevention or treatment of postpartum hemorrhage
Common side effects
- Uterine hyperstimulation
- Maternal hypertension
- Nausea and vomiting
- Water intoxication (with prolonged high-dose infusion)
- Fetal bradycardia
- Placental abruption (rare)
Key clinical trials
- Improving Safe Vaginal Deliveries for Delivering Mothers by Implementing an Intervention Package of 11 Evidence-based Practices and Robson Classification at a Semi-urban Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh (NA)
- PGE2 Followed by Oxytocin vs Oxytocin in Term PROM (POXY-PROM) (NA)
- Reducing Neonatal Morbidity by Discontinuing Oxytocin During the Active Phase of 1st Stage of Labor (PHASE4)
- Clinical Trial for Acupuncture in Adolescents With Psychological Distress and Insomnia (NA)
- The Role of Oxytocin in the Second Stage of Labor (NA)
- The Effect of Music That the Individuals With Moderate Dental Anxiety Have Started Listening to While Waiting (NA)
- Effects of Intranasal Administration of Oxytocin in Adults With Prader-Willi Syndrome (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Marmet and Oxytocin Massage for Breast Milk Increase (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |