Oxytocin Injectable (Brand)

What is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin Injection is used to assist in giving birth in multiple species including dogs and cats. It is a prescription hormone used to increase uterine contractions, for milk letdown or for the treatment of egg binding in birds and reptiles.

Who is it for?
Oxytocin is for multiple species including dogs and cats.

What are the benefits?

*	Prescription hormone for intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous injection
*	Oxytocin is used to stimulate uterine contractions in multiple species
*	Also aids in milk letdown in females with adequate milk production

Oxytocin Injection is used to assist in the birthing process. It is used to stimulate contractions of the uterus and affects the mammary glands by increasing milk letdown. Oxytocin is a hormone naturally released by the hypothalamus section of the brain during labor to stimulate uterine contractions. This injectable form of the hormone, Oxytocin is FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine. It is approved for use in multiple animal species and is also used for the treatment of egg binding in birds and reptiles.

How does Oxytocin work?
Oxytocin acts on the smooth muscle in the uterus to increase uterine contractions.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
Oxytocin is a generic medication.

How is it given?
Oxytocin is given intravenously (IV), subcutaneously (SQ, subQ), or intramuscularly (IM), as directed by your veterinarian. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed. It should only be given to animals with a dilated cervix and in whom the fetuses are in the correct position for birth.

What results can I expect?
Oxytocin will start to work within minutes of injection.

What form(s) does it come in?
Injectable form only.

Please click on "More Information" for possible drug and food interactions with this medication.

Brand Name
None

Pronunciation
Ox-E-toe-sin

Common Drug Name
Oxytocin

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Oxytocin?
Talk to your veterinarian about what type of outcome is expected, and the risks of giving Oxytocin if the cervix is not dilated or the fetuses are not positioned correctly.

Have the veterinary staff show you how to correctly measure the dose and give the injection.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking, and also if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.

What is the most important information I should know?
Oxytocin is not for use in animals with dystocia (difficulty giving birth) due to malposition of the fetus, small pelvis in the mother, large fetal size, or when a cesarean section is otherwise warranted. Do not use until the cervix is naturally dilated.

Who should not take it?
Not for use in animals who are hypersensitive (allergic) to it. Not for use in animals with dystocia (difficulty giving birth) due to malposition of the fetus, small pelvis in the mother, large fetal size, or when a cesarean section is otherwise warranted. Do not use until the cervix is naturally dilated. If used when a pyometra (infection in the uterus) is present, it could cause the uterus to rupture. Do not use in animals with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hypocalcemia (low blood calcium).

What side effects may be seen when taking Oxytocin?
May cause uterine cramping and discomfort. If used when the fetuses are malpositioned or too large for a natural birth, it may cause uterine rupture, fetal injury, or fetal death.

How is it stored?
Store at room temperature, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Oxytocin?
Consult your veterinarian before using Oxytocin with any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, since interactions may occur. If used with adrenergic agents (e.g., ephedrine), it may cause postpartum high blood pressure. If used with some general anesthetics, it may cause low blood pressure and cardiovascular changes in the mother.

Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the Patient Information Sheet on this medication.

How to Order a Prescription

Hypothyroid? Symptoms Checklist

Sometimes, in the stress of the moment, owners forget to tell their veterinarian relevant information about their pets. Here is a handy checklist to bring with you to your next veterinary appointment.

Emergency Visit Checklist

Emergency veterinary visits can be stressful for you and your pet. Here's a list of questions and topics to discuss with your veterinarian to ensure your pet is quickly on the road to recovery.

Adrenal Disease in Ferrets

Adrenal disease is very treatable in most cases. Not treating adrenal disease is condemning your ferret to die, when this doesn't have to be the case. If you see signs of adrenal disease in your ferret, please get him checked out as soon as possible.

See All Articles

Your pet's health is our #1 priority, which is why we make ordering prescription medications from Drs. Foster and Smith as easy as 1 - 2 - 3!

At the completion of your order, you will be prompted to supply us with your veterinarian's information including how we will receive your pet's prescription from the following options:

	Let us do the legwork! We will contact your veterinarian for prescription authorization.
	You already have an existing prescription on file with Drs. Foster and Smith.
	Your pet's prescription is in the mail.
	Your veterinarian is calling or faxing the prescription to our pharmacy.

Pharmacy Hours
Mon. - Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. CST
Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 1 p.m. CST

Contact Us
Pharmacy Phone:	1-800-447-3021 (Toll Free)
Pharmacy Fax:	1-800-447-2404 (Toll Free)
Pharmacy Address:	P.O. Box 100 Rhinelander, WI 54501

Our pharmacy staff prides itself on providing you with the service and ease of ordering that you have come to trust exclusively from Drs. Foster and Smith.