Oxytocin: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Oxytocin is a hormone that contracts the womb. It is a prescription medicine used for induction of labour and prevention of bleeding after childbirth. In Pakistan it is available as injections, made by 3 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Oxytocin works

Oxytocin is a copy of a hormone made naturally by the pituitary gland. It acts on receptors in the muscle of the womb, making it contract more strongly and more often. After delivery, these contractions squeeze the blood vessels where the placenta was attached, reducing bleeding.

What is Oxytocin used for?

• Induction of labour and prevention of bleeding after childbirth

Oxytocin is used in hospital to start labour or to strengthen contractions when labour is slow. It is also routinely given after the birth of a baby to help the womb contract and to prevent or treat heavy bleeding after delivery, known as postpartum haemorrhage. It is given by injection or a carefully controlled drip.

Side effects of Oxytocin

When given under supervision, Oxytocin can cause effects such as:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Strong or frequent contractions
• Headache
• Fast heartbeat
• Flushing

It is given only with monitoring of mother and baby. Staff will act straight away on contractions that are too strong or too close together, changes in the baby's heart rate, heavy bleeding or breathlessness.

Precautions and warnings

• Given only by trained staff in hospital, with monitoring of contractions and the baby's heart rate.
• Tell the team about any previous caesarean section or other surgery on the womb.
• Let staff know if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or pre-eclampsia.
• During long infusions, fluid intake and output are watched, as oxytocin can cause the body to hold on to water.
• It is not used when there are reasons labour should not be induced, such as some abnormal positions of the baby.

Frequently asked questions about Oxytocin

What is the price of Oxytocin in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Oxytocin products currently in stock range from Rs 2 to Rs 1,447 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Oxytocin Inj 10iu Injection at Rs 2. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Oxytocin are available in Pakistan?

Oxytocin is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Oxytocin (Amros), Syntomax (Novartis Pharma (Pakistan)ltd), Tocinox (Geofman) and Syntocinon (Novartis Pharma (Pakistan)ltd).

Do I need a prescription for Oxytocin?

Yes. Oxytocin is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Are all Oxytocin brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Oxytocin in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Oxytocin brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 7 products containing Oxytocin from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.