Dose of oxytocin
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oxytocin AND postpartum hemorrhage
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WHO oxytocin dose induction labour postpartum haemorrhage recommendations
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Oxytocin dosing depends on the indication and should be given only in a monitored obstetric setting.
| Indication | Common dose |
|---|---|
| Induction of labor | IV infusion, low-dose protocol: start 0.5-2 mU/min, then titrate per local protocol and uterine/fetal monitoring. A high-dose protocol may start at 6 mU/min. |
| Augmentation of labor | IV infusion, often around 10 mU/min, titrated to contractions and fetal status. |
| Prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) | 10 IU IM or slow IV after delivery. WHO recommends 10 IU IM/IV for all births. |
| Treatment of uterine atony/PPH | Common infusion: 20-40 IU in 1 L crystalloid, titrated. One text regimen: 20 IU in 1 L, begin at 10 mU/min until the uterus contracts, then reduce to 1-2 mU/min. |
Avoid IV bolus administration except where a local specialist protocol specifically directs it, because rapid administration can cause hypotension, tachycardia, and uterine hyperstimulation. Stop or reduce infusion with tachysystole or fetal compromise.
The WHO PPH recommendation supports 10 IU IM or IV for prevention of PPH. Textbook dosing: Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, pp. 1884-1899.
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