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  • Oxytocin
    • Mechanism of action; activates oxytocin receptors causing smooth muscle contraction.
    • Receptors found in the uterus and vascular smooth muscle
    • Extended use leads to receptor desensitization and decreased postpartum effect.
      • Seen in labor patients that have had oxytocin to augment their labor.
    • Harmful Effects:
      • Large quantities of fluids and oxytocin can lead to hypotension, tachycardia, N/V, water retention, hyponatremia, seizures.

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Oxytocin

  • 3 Unit bolus over a few seconds
  • Followed by an infusion 2.5-15 Units/hr.
  • May repeat 3 Unit bolus after 2 mins

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Uterotonic Administration

Consensus statement on uterotonic agents during caesarean section. Heesen, et al. Anaesthesia 2019, 74, 1305–1319