Oxytocin
Uterotonic (Posterior Pituitary Hormone)- Drug Class
- Uterotonic (Posterior Pituitary Hormone)
- Mechanism of Action (MOA)
- Activates uterine oxytocin receptors → rhythmic myometrial contraction; also drives milk letdown.
- Black Box Warning
- Not indicated for elective induction of labor (benefit-risk data inadequate).
- Clinical Notes
- Labor induction/augmentation and first-line for postpartum hemorrhage. Watch uterine tachysystole/rupture and fetal distress; hyponatremia (ADH-like effect) with prolonged high-dose infusion.
- Source
- FDA label
Sources
Reviewed September 2026- FDA label — FDA / DailyMed
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