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Oxytocin (High dose)
High-dose oxytocin binds to oxytocin receptors to enhance uterine contractions and promote labor induction or augmentation.
High-dose oxytocin binds to oxytocin receptors to enhance uterine contractions and promote labor induction or augmentation. Used for Labor induction, Labor augmentation, Prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage.
At a glance
| Generic name | Oxytocin (High dose) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Pitocin, Syntocinon |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston |
| 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 neuropeptide that acts on G-protein coupled oxytocin receptors located on uterine smooth muscle cells. At high doses, it increases the frequency and strength of myometrial contractions, facilitating cervical dilation and labor progression. It also has secondary effects on milk letdown and maternal-infant bonding, though the high-dose formulation is primarily used for obstetric indications.
Approved indications
- Labor induction
- Labor augmentation
- Prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage
Common side effects
- Uterine hyperstimulation
- Maternal hypertension
- Tachycardia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Water intoxication (at very high doses)
- Fetal heart rate abnormalities
Key clinical trials
- Low-Dose Versus High-Dose Oxytocin Dosing for Induction and Augmentation of Labor (PHASE4)
- Rectal Misoprostol for Reducing Blood Loss in Elective Cesarean Section (NA)
- The Effect of Oral Oxytocin and Atosiban on Social Attention (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Comparing High Versus Low Dose of Oxytocin, in Gravida Women With BMI 30 and Above Which Are Undergoing Induction of Labor (PHASE4)
- Effect of Tafoxiparin on Cervical Ripening and Induction of Labor in Term Pregnant Women With an Unripe Cervix (PHASE2)
- Dose Response Relationship of Oxytocin on Irritability in Youths (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of TNX-1900 in Patients With Chronic Migraine (PHASE2)
- High Or Low Dose pOstpartUm Oxytocin at the Time of Cesarean Birth (PHASE2)
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 |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Oxytocin (High dose) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Oxytocin (High dose) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston portfolio CI