| Drug Name |
Oxytocin |
| Drug ID |
BADD_D01652 |
| Description |
Sir Henry H. Dale first identified oxytocin and its uterine contractile properties in 1906.[A229008,A228593,A229108] Like all other neurohypophysial hormones, oxytocin is composed of nine amino acids with a disulfide bridge between the Cys 1 and 6 residues.[A229008,A228593] In the mid-1950s, synthetic oxytocin was successfully synthesized by a biochemist named Vincent du Vigneaud; he was later recognized with a Nobel prize for his work.[A229108] Oxytocin continues to be an important tool in modern obstetrics to induce labor when indicated and to manage postpartum hemorrhage.[A229108,A229113] It is estimated that labor induction with oxytocin is used in almost 10% of deliveries globally.[A228593]
It should be noted that there are risks associated with oxytocin intervention during childbirth. Oxytocin should be used judiciously only when necessary and by experienced healthcare practitioners.[A229113]
Although most commonly linked to labor and delivery, oxytocin actually has broad peripheral and central effects.[A229008] It plays an important role in pair bonding, social cognition and functioning, and even fear conditioning.[A229013] Oxytocin also serves a role in metabolic homeostasis and cardiovascular regulation.[A228593,A229098] |
| Indications and Usage |
Used for labor induction, augmentation of labor, postpartum abbreviation of third stage of labor, postpartum control of uterine bleeding, termination of pregnancy and for the evaluation of fetal respiratory capability. Oxytocin cannot be used for elective induction of labor, there must be a clear medical requirement. |
| Marketing Status |
Prescription; Discontinued |
| ATC Code |
H01BB02 |
| DrugBank ID |
DB00107
|
| KEGG ID |
D00089
|
| MeSH ID |
D010121
|
| PubChem ID |
439302
|
| TTD Drug ID |
D0M3FJ
|
| NDC Product Code |
76617-011; 46600-0001; 63323-012; 41701-002; 0641-6115; 38779-2492; 75882-213; 42023-130; 55154-9584; 49452-4956; 0143-9742; 63275-9881; 0641-6114; 0143-9743; 51552-0631; 51927-2843; 64189-1202; 70155-001; 62991-3133; 60870-0438; 42023-116 |
| Synonyms |
Oxytocin | Ocytocin | Syntocinon | Pitocin |
