Brands, Medical Use, Clinical Data
Drug Category
- Anti-tocolytic Agents
- Labor Induction Agents
Dosage Forms
Brands / Synonyms
Oxytocin (BAM Biotech); Pitocin; Pitocin (Parke-Davis); Syntocinon; Syntocinon (Sandoz)
Description
Synthetic 9 residue cyclic peptide. The hormone is prepared synthetically to avoid possible contamination with vasopressin (ADH) and other small polypeptides with biologic activity.
Indications
To assist in labor, elective labor induction, uterine contraction induction
Pharmacology
Used to induce labor or to enhance uterine contractions during labor. Uterine motility depends on the formation of the contractile protein actomyosin under the influence of the Ca2+-dependent phosphorylating enzyme myosin light-chain kinase. Oxytocin promotes contractions by increasing the intracellular Ca2+, which in turn activates myosins light chain kinase.. Oxytocin has specific receptors in the muscle llining of the uterus and the receptor concentration increases greatly during pregnancy, reaching a maximum in early labor at term.
Mechanism of Action
Binds the oxytocin receptor which leads to an increase in intracellular calcium levels.
Absorption
Not Available
Toxicity
Not Available
Biotrnasformation / Drug Metabolism
Not Available
Contraindications
Not Available
Drug Interactions
Not Available
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