Warning re oxytocin post cesarean

[Guest guest]

http://bja.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/100/5/683

Anaesthetists warned to cut back on amount and rate of

infusion of oxytocin post cesarean.

Quote from article: “In conclusion, oxytocin is a

potent vasoactive drug that should be used with caution and, if

indicated, preferably given in a low dose, and administered very

slowly as a bolus or controlled infusion. Rapid bolus injections

should be avoided, especially when myocardial perfusion might be

compromised, in hypovolaemia, in coronary or significant heart valve

disease or when hypotension or tachycardia should be avoided for

other reasons.29

Methylergometrine, with its peripheral vasoconstrictive action,

might be an alternative for increasing uterine tone under these

circumstances.” End of quote.

Gloria Lemay,

Vancouver BC