1. Pitocin Cynthia Fabian Victoria Ahn

2. What is it?  Pitocin & syntocinon are commonly used brand names for the drug Oxytocin, a hormone found naturally in the pituitary gland that causes the uterus to contract.  Oxytocin is used to induce labor, strengthen labor contractions during childbirth, control bleeding after childbirth, or to induce an abortion.  Pitocin is regularly given through injections

3. Side Effects On The Mother  Less Serious Side Effects:  redness or irritation at the injection site;  loss of appetite; or  nausea or vomiting.  Serious side effects include:  an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; hives; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting);  difficulty urinating;  chest pain or irregular heart beat;  difficulty breathing;  confusion;  sudden weight gain or excessive swelling;  severe headache;  rash;  excessive vaginal bleeding; or  seizures.

4. Side Effects On The Fetus  Bleeding in the eye  Irregular or slow heartbeat  Seizures  Brain damage  Yellowing of skin  Its well known that the increased pressure of the contractions can compress your baby’s umbilical cord & as a result cuts down his oxygen supply(asphyxia).

5. Overdose  Overdosing on this drug can cause problems in both the mother and unborn In the baby, problems like a low heart rate or inadequate oxygen may occur. Symptoms of an pitocin overdose reflect very low blood sugar levels and include headache, irregular heartbeat, increased heart rate or pulse, sweating, tremor, nausea, increased hunger, and anxiety.

6. Overdose Treatment  Treatment will consist of stopping the medicine and providing supportive care. Supportive treatment may include:  Close monitoring of blood pressure, heart rhythm, and body electrolytes (body salts)  Intravenous (IV) fluids  Medications to treat seizures, if they occur.seizures  uterine hypertonicity, spasm, tetanic contraction, or rupture of the uterus.