Each milliliter of oxytocin injection contains 20 U.S.P. units of oxytocin. Administer drug intravenously, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously under aseptic conditions as indicated. Applications for these uses need not include effectiveness data as specified by Sec. 514.111 of this chapter, but may require bio- equivalency and safety information.
Intravenous administration is desirable.
Oxytocin may be used as a uterine contractor to precipitate and accelerate normal parturition and postpartum evacuation of uterine debris. In surgery it may be used postoperatively following cesarean section to facilitate involution and resistance to the large inflow of blood. It will contract smooth muscle cells of the mammary gland for milk letdown if the udder is in proper physiological state. Do not use in dystocia due to abnormal presentation of fetus until correction is accomplished. For prepartum usage, full relaxation of the cervix should be accomplished either naturally or by administration of estrogen prior to oxytocin therapy.