Question 1

what are the side effects of oxytocin if given to female as buccal pitocin?

Accepted Answer

Who uses buccal pit?: The discussion of the risks and proper use of pitotcin is a long one. Suffice it to say the use of buccal pitotcin to induce/augment labor involves all the usual risks of pitotcin in addition to the fact that buccal pitotcin is absorbed and dispersed in a less controlled fashion than iv. I am curious where and when buccal pitotcin is being used.

Question 2

how many women have side effects from oxytocin in labor?

Accepted Answer

All of them: Oxytocin typically increases contractions and that typically causes increased discomfort, so in that sense all women have a side effect. In addition (and I am really not trying to be a wise guy) since oxytocin is the drug at the center of more malpractice litigation than any other drug you should speak with your practitioner. It is a very important and useful drug that deserves discussion.

Question 3

what does oxytocin do?

Accepted Answer

It is used to: Induce or stimulate labor in the hospital by a specific protocol by a contolled IV pump.

Question 4

what happens if you have hypo or hyper oxytocin?

Accepted Answer

Not a disease: There is no such disease or syndrome for low or high oxytocin.

Question 5

oxytocin use in office setting ok?

Accepted Answer

Oxytocin: Oxytocin is a powerful hormone. When we hug or kiss a loved one, oxytocin levels drive up. It also acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. In fact, the hormone plays a huge role in pair bonding. Prairie voles, one of nature's most monogamous species, produce oxytocin in spades. This hormone is also greatly stimulated during sex, birth, breast feeding, and the list goes on.

Question 6

what is an oxytocin challenge test?

Accepted Answer

Fetal statuss check: A oxytocin challenge test(oct) involves giving a pregnant mother the drug to stimulate at least 3 contractions in a 10 minute interval to check whether the fetal heart rate accelerates(reassuring) or declines. It allows the OB md to check on the fetal status especially when there are concerns about the baby's wellbeing.

Question 7

is it possible to by oxytocin over the counter?

Accepted Answer

No: This is a prescription item and not for OTC sale.  If you find some allegedly oxytocin in a non-prescription  place, it is probably something else and most likely will have no effect.

Question 8

effectiveness of cervadil vs pitocin (oxytocin) induction?

Accepted Answer

Depends on cervix: Before induction your current cervical exam is used as a determinant for which mode of induction.  Cervidil is most likely used when the cervix is less soft, dilated, and effaced (thinned out), and more posterior, as it increases prostaglandins release to stimulate dilation, thinning and softening.  Those who are already dilated and effaced benefit more from pitocin (oxytocin).

Question 9

does woman release oxytocin whenever they have intercourse?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and even before: Oxytocin is also released into the blood during many types of touching; including cuddling, hugging, kissing, orgasm, sex and snuggling. The physical effects of oxytocin include increased sensitivity of nerve endings, stimulated muscle contractions, increased heart rate plus the desire to touch and be touched. It is often called the "bonding" hormone. Men also release it during orgasm.

Question 10

what percentage of  births involve the use of pitocin (oxytocin)?

Accepted Answer

Nearly all use: Some use for induction but nearly all use after delivery to contract uterus.

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Doctor answers about:

Oxytocin side effects

A member asked:

What are the side effects of oxytocin if given to female as buccal pitocin?

A member asked:

How many women have side effects from oxytocin in labor?

A member asked:

What does oxytocin do?

A member asked:

What happens if you have hypo or hyper oxytocin?

A member asked:

Oxytocin use in office setting ok?

A member asked:

What is an oxytocin challenge test?

A member asked:

Is it possible to by oxytocin over the counter?

A member asked:

Effectiveness of cervadil vs pitocin (oxytocin) induction?

A member asked:

Does woman release oxytocin whenever they have intercourse?

A member asked:

What percentage of births involve the use of pitocin (oxytocin)?

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