Pulmonary, obstetric and electrolyte infusions
Oxytocin (Pitocin) drip
Pitocin, Pit
Dosing
| Start | Induction, low dose (ACOG): 0.5–2 milliunits/min (label 0.5–1). Postpartum hemorrhage: 10–40 units in 500–1,000 mL, run to keep the uterus firm, or 10 units IM (ACOG). Cesarean (2019 consensus): 1 unit (3 in labor) IV over at least 30 seconds, then 2.5–7.5 units/h (7.5–15 in labor) |
|---|---|
| Titrate | Induction: up 1–2 milliunits/min every 30–60 minutes (label; ACOG low dose every 15–40) to adequate contractions, then hold or cut back. High-dose regimen: start 6, add 3–6 every 15–40 minutes (ACOG) |
| Maximum | No set maximum: the label says over 9–10 milliunits/min is rarely needed at term, and unit protocols set the ceiling (often 20–40). Water intoxication follows long infusions at 40–50 milliunits/min (label) |
| Common bags | 30 units in 500 mL (0.06 units/mL); 10 units in 1,000 mL (0.01 units/mL); 20 units in 1,000 mL (0.02 units/mL) |
| Dose units | milliunits/min, units/h |
Line and administration
- ISMP: one standard bag for labor and postpartum, 30 units in 500 mL, so 1 mL/h = 1 milliunit/min
- Own pump channel, piggybacked near the IV site; high-alert drug with an independent double-check; never a fast undiluted IV push
Watch for
- Tachysystole (over 5 contractions in 10 minutes averaged over 30) or an abnormal tracing: reduce or stop, reposition, fluids, notify
- Water intoxication and low Na: isotonic fluids, intake and output
- Fast boluses: hypotension, tachycardia, ST changes. Long exposure in labor blunts its effect, so atony may need second-line drugs early
Oxytocin: full drug monographIndications, mechanism, pharmacokinetics, cautions and every dose the app lists.
In the one-pagers
Practice Obstetric Emergencies questions free76 exam-style questions with rationales on the topic where oxytocin comes up most. No account or download needed.
Other pulmonary, obstetric and electrolyte infusions
Practice free in your browser2,450+ exam-style questions with rationales. No account, no ads. Also free on the App Store and Google Play.
For education and exam preparation only. Follow your institution’s protocols. Study aid: check every dose against your local protocols and medical direction, the bag label and your pump.