1 May 2026Injectable drugs
Oxytocin injectable
Oxytocin guidance for labour induction and prevention or treatment of postpartum haemorrhage.
Prescription under medical supervision
This guide page is for structured reference only and does not replace a clinician, pharmacist, or emergency review. Dose choice, route choice, interactions, and safety decisions still need professional judgment.
Therapeutic action
Synthetic oxytocic.
Indications
- Induction and augmentation of labour in the event of dynamic dystocia.
- Postpartum haemorrhage due to uterine atony.
- Prevention of postpartum haemorrhage after vaginal delivery or caesarean section.
Forms and strengths, route of administration
- 10 IU in 1 ml ampoule (10 IU/ml) for IM injection, slow IV injection, or infusion.
Dose
Induction and augmentation of labour
- Dilute 5 IU in 500 ml or 10 IU in 1 litre of Ringer lactate or 0.9% sodium chloride to obtain a solution of 10 milliunits/ml.
- Start an infusion at 5 drops/minute, then increase by 5 drops/minute every 30 minutes, maximum 60 drops/minute, until efficient contractions are obtained.
Treatment of postpartum haemorrhage due to uterine atony
- 20 IU in 1 litre of Ringer lactate or 0.9% sodium chloride, administered over 2 hours at 160 drops/minute.
- Simultaneously, 5 to 10 IU by slow IV injection, repeated if necessary until the uterus is retracted, maximum total dose 60 IU.
Prevention of postpartum haemorrhage (vaginal delivery)
- 5 to 10 IU by slow IV or IM injection before or after delivery of the placenta.
Prevention of postpartum haemorrhage (caesarean section)
- 10 IU by slow IV injection after cord clamping, then 20 IU in 1 litre of Ringer lactate or 0.9% sodium chloride, administered over 2 hours at 160 drops/minute.
Duration
According to clinical response.
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
- Do not administer by rapid IV injection because of the risk of hypotension with flushing and reflex tachycardia, uterine hypertonia or rupture, and foetal distress.
- During labour, do not administer to patients with history of two caesarean sections or more.
- Administer with caution and do not exceed 30 drops/minute in patients with history of a single caesarean section and in grand multipara.
- Respect the dosage and rate of administration and monitor uterine contractility and foetal heart rate.
- May cause nausea, vomiting, and heart rhythm disorders.
- Do not administer simultaneously with prostaglandins. Only administer oxytocin 6 hours after the last prostaglandin dose.
Source
MSF Essential drugs practical guidelines (January 2026)
This page reproduces the structured reference information for this batch while leaving out the Storage and Remarks sections.
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