oxinam injection - Oxytocin (NA) medicine

Nitocin Injection: Complete Guide To Uses, Dosage, And Safety

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🏭 Mankind Pharma Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Oct 29, 2026
📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Evidence: Well-established
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Oct 29, 2026
🩺
Medically Fact-Checked & Clinically Verified by SaathiMed Clinical Review Board
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

  • Severe abdominal pain or uterine tenderness
  • Fetal heart rate abnormalities (bradycardia or tachycardia)
  • Signs of water intoxication: headache, nausea, confusion, seizures
  • Difficulty breathing or chest pain
  • Signs of allergic reaction: rash, swelling of face or throat
  • Excessive vaginal bleeding after delivery
  • Decreased urine output

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is oxinam injection used for?

This medicine is an injectable form of oxytocin used to induce or strengthen labor contractions and to control bleeding after childbirth. It works by stimulating uterine muscle contractions and is given only in hospital settings under close medical supervision.

  • Generic Name: Oxytocin (NA)
  • Manufacturer: Mankind Pharma Ltd
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 oxinam injection के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा ऑक्सीटोसिन का इंजेक्शन है, जिसका उपयोग प्रसव के दौरान संकुचन को बढ़ाने या शुरू करने के लिए किया जाता है। इसका उपयोग प्रसव के बाद रक्तस्राव को रोकने के लिए भी किया जाता है। यह केवल अस्पताल में डॉक्टर की देखरेख में दी जाती है।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, उल्टी, सिरदर्द और तेज़ दिल की धड़कन शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में गर्भाशय का अत्यधिक संकुचन, भ्रूण की परेशानी, और पानी का असंतुलन हो सकता है। किसी भी असामान्य लक्षण पर तुरंत डॉक्टर को बताएं।

सुरक्षा सलाह: यह दवा केवल अस्पताल में डॉक्टर या नर्स द्वारा दी जानी चाहिए। इसे घर पर स्वयं न लगाएं। इस दवा का उपयोग करते समय मां और बच्चे की लगातार निगरानी की जाती है। यदि आपको कोई परेशानी हो तो तुरंत मेडिकल स्टाफ को बताएं।

💡 Did You Know? India is the largest provider of generic medicines globally, supplying over 50% of global vaccine demand.

💊 oxinam injection Uses & Benefits

[{"condition":"Induction of labor","description":"Used to start contractions when labor does not begin naturally or when medically necessary to deliver the baby.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Augmentation of labor","description":"Helps strengthen and regulate contractions when labor is not progressing adequately.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Postpartum hemorrhage","description":"Controls bleeding after delivery by promoting uterine contraction to expel the placenta and close blood vessels.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Post-abortion uterine atony","description":"Used to prevent or treat excessive bleeding after miscarriage or abortion by ensuring uterine contraction.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Adjunct in cesarean section","description":"Administered after delivery of the baby to promote uterine tone and reduce bleeding.","evidence":"Well-established"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Lactation support","description":"Sometimes used intranasally to aid milk ejection reflex in mothers with difficulty breastfeeding, though this is not a standard approved use.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Diagnostic aid in uterine function tests","description":"Rarely used in research settings to assess uterine contractility.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Primary treatment for: Labor induction and postpartum hemorrhage

Also treats: Post-abortion uterine atony, Cesarean section adjunct

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Oxytocin (NA)
Brand Nameoxinam injection
ManufacturerMankind Pharma Ltd
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassGYNAECOLOGICAL
Action ClassUterotonic and abortificient
Route of AdministrationParenteral (intravenous or intramuscular)
StorageStore refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F). Do not freeze. Keep in the original carton to protect from light. Once opened, use immediately and discard any unused portion.
Shelf Life24 months from the date of manufacture when stored under recommended conditions.
WHO GuidelineThe World Health Organization recommends oxytocin as the first-line uterotonic for prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage. It is included in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines.
ICMR GuidelineThe Indian Council of Medical Research recommends oxytocin for induction of labor and management of postpartum hemorrhage, with strict monitoring in hospital settings.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips

Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians

1
Always administer this medicine in a hospital setting with continuous fetal and maternal monitoring.
2
Titrate the infusion rate carefully to achieve adequate uterine contractions without hyperstimulation.
3
Monitor fluid balance and serum sodium levels to prevent water intoxication.
4
Be prepared to manage uterine hyperstimulation by stopping the infusion and providing supportive care.
5
Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.
6
Inform the patient about the purpose and potential risks of the medicine before administration.

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.

✅
Insufficient uterine contractions during labor
This medicine is commonly used to augment labor.
Likely Use
✅
Postpartum bleeding
This medicine is used to control postpartum hemorrhage.
Likely Use
❌
Fever
This medicine is not a primary fever reducer.
Not Primary

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionOxytocin is administered intravenously or intramuscularly. After intramuscular injection, it is rapidly absorbed, but the intravenous route provides immediate onset. Absorption from other routes (e.g., intranasal) is limited and variable.
DistributionOxytocin distributes throughout the extracellular fluid. It does not bind significantly to plasma proteins. It crosses the placenta and is found in breast milk in small amounts.
Protein BindingLow (less than 30% bound to plasma proteins).
MetabolismOxytocin is rapidly metabolized in the liver and kidneys by proteolytic enzymes, primarily oxytocinase. It is also metabolized in the placenta and plasma.
Half-LifeThe plasma half-life is approximately 1 to 6 minutes, which is very short.
ExcretionMetabolites are excreted primarily in the urine.
BioavailabilityIntravenous administration provides 100% bioavailability. Intramuscular bioavailability is high but not precisely established.
Onset of ActionIntravenous: immediate (within 1 minute). Intramuscular: within 3 to 5 minutes.
Peak Plasma TimeNot established from the available information.
Duration of ActionFor intravenous infusion, the effect ceases within 1 hour after stopping the infusion. For intramuscular injection, the effect lasts about 30 to 60 minutes.

How It Works

Oxytocin binds to specific oxytocin receptors on the surface of uterine smooth muscle cells. This binding activates G-protein coupled signaling pathways that increase intracellular calcium levels. The rise in calcium triggers the contraction of uterine muscle fibers. Additionally, oxytocin stimulates the release of prostaglandins, which further enhance uterine contractions. In the breast, oxytocin causes contraction of myoepithelial cells around the alveoli, leading to milk ejection. The effects are dose-dependent and are influenced by the sensitivity of the uterus, which increases during pregnancy and near term.

Mechanism Steps

1
Binding to oxytocin receptors: Oxytocin binds to specific oxytocin receptors on the surface of uterine smooth muscle cells.
2
Activation of G-protein signaling: The receptor activates Gq proteins, which stimulate phospholipase C to produce inositol triphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG).
3
Increase in intracellular calcium: IP3 triggers the release of calcium from intracellular stores, raising cytoplasmic calcium levels.
4
Uterine muscle contraction: Calcium binds to calmodulin, activating myosin light chain kinase, which leads to phosphorylation of myosin and cross-bridge cycling, causing muscle contraction.
5
Enhanced contraction via prostaglandins: Oxytocin also stimulates the production of prostaglandins, which further increase uterine contractility and sensitivity to oxytocin.

💡 How to Take oxinam injection

Strength: Injection: 5 IU/mL, 10 IU/mL (as oxytocin)

1This medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting.
2It is administered either as an intravenous infusion or as an intramuscular injection.
3For intravenous infusion, a controlled pump is used to ensure precise dosing.
4Continuous monitoring of uterine contractions and fetal heart rate is required.
5Report any discomfort, pain, or unusual symptoms to the medical staff immediately.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe dose of this medicine is highly individualized and must be determined by a qualified clinician based on the specific indication, the patient's response, and the clinical setting. For induction or augmentation of labor, it is typically administered as an intravenous infusion with careful titration. For postpartum hemorrhage, a common dose is 10 IU intramuscularly or 5-10 IU intravenously slowly. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function.
Pediatric DosagePediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician.
Elderly DosageThis medicine is not typically used in the elderly population for its approved indications. If used, dose should be individualized by a clinician.
Renal ImpairmentNo specific dose adjustment is established for renal impairment. Use with caution and monitor fluid balance and electrolytes.
Hepatic ImpairmentNo specific dose adjustment is established for hepatic impairment. Use with caution.
Maximum Daily DoseThe maximum daily dose is not fixed and depends on the clinical situation. It must be determined by a qualified clinician.

Dosage Timeline

🌅 Morning ❌ ☀️ Afternoon ❌ 🌆 Evening ❌ 🌙 Night ❌

⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose

📌 This medicine is given by healthcare professionals in a controlled setting.
→ Missed doses are not applicable for patients self-administering.
💡 The clinical team will manage dosing according to the patient's condition.

⚠️ Side Effects of oxinam injection

✅ Common Side Effects

Nausea (Common (5-10%))
Usually resolves on its own. Inform your nurse or doctor if it persists.
Vomiting (Common (5-10%))
Report to medical staff; they can provide anti-nausea medication if needed.
Headache (Common (5-10%))
Rest and inform your doctor if severe.
Tachycardia (fast heart rate) (Common (5-10%))
Monitor heart rate; usually transient.
Uterine cramping (Common (5-10%))
Expected effect; report if excessive pain.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Uterine hyperstimulation (Uncommon (0.1-1%))
Immediately stop infusion and inform doctor; may require emergency cesarean section.
Fetal distress (Uncommon (0.1-1%))
Stop infusion, administer oxygen, and prepare for emergency delivery if needed.
Water intoxication with hyponatremia (Rare (<0.1%))
Monitor fluid balance and sodium levels; treat with fluid restriction and electrolytes.
Anaphylaxis (Rare (<0.1%))
Administer epinephrine, corticosteroids, and supportive care immediately.
Uterine rupture (Rare (<0.1%))
Emergency surgery required; stop oxytocin immediately.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Seek immediate medical attention.
Neonatal jaundice
Monitor bilirubin levels; phototherapy if needed.
Neonatal seizures
Immediate neonatal intensive care.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Ergometrine Major
Prostaglandins Major
Vasopressors Major
Halothane Moderate
Cyclopropane Moderate
Misoprostol Moderate
Dinoprostone Moderate
Local anesthetics Minor
Alcohol Moderate

🚨 Major Interactions

  • Other uterotonics (e.g., ergometrine, prostaglandins)
  • Vasopressors (e.g., ephedrine, phenylephrine)
  • Cyclopropane or halothane anesthesia

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • Prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone)
  • Misoprostol

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Alcohol may increase the risk of uterine hyperstimulation and should be avoided during labor and delivery. No specific interaction studies are available, but caution is advised.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Hypersensitivity to oxytocin or any component of the formulation","Cephalopelvic disproportion","Fetal malpresentation or cord prolapse","Placenta previa or vasa previa","Previous uterine surgery (e.g., cesarean section, myomectomy) where vaginal delivery is contraindicated","Active genital herpes infection","Premature labor where continuation of pregnancy is desired","Severe preeclampsia or eclampsia","Fetal distress before labor"]

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["Administer only in a hospital setting with continuous monitoring.","Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or preeclampsia.","Avoid rapid intravenous bolus; administer as a controlled infusion.","Monitor for signs of water intoxication and hyponatremia.","Do not use for elective induction of labor without a clear medical indication.","Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.","Ensure adequate pain relief during labor as oxytocin may increase contraction pain."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

Oxytocin is naturally present in breast milk and is considered safe during breastfeeding. It may be used to aid milk let-down. No adverse effects on the infant have been reported from maternal use.

💊 Overdose Management

Overdose of oxytocin can cause uterine hyperstimulation, leading to fetal distress, uterine rupture, and postpartum hemorrhage. Management includes immediate discontinuation of the infusion, administration of oxygen, and emergency delivery if fetal distress is present. For water intoxication, restrict fluids and correct electrolyte imbalances. There is no specific antidote; treatment is supportive and symptomatic.

⏰ Missed Dose

This medicine is administered by healthcare professionals in a controlled setting. Missed doses are not applicable for patients self-administering. If a scheduled dose is missed in a hospital setting, the clinical team will determine the appropriate action based on the patient's condition.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

This medicine must only be given by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting where the mother and baby can be closely monitored. Never attempt to self-administer this injection. Inform your doctor if you have any heart, kidney, or liver problems, or if you have had previous uterine surgery. During administration, your contractions, blood pressure, and the baby's heart rate will be monitored continuously. Report any unusual symptoms immediately. After delivery, if you are breastfeeding, this medicine may help with milk let-down, but it is generally considered safe. Always ensure that the injection is stored properly and used before the expiry date.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

This medicine is not typically used in the elderly population for its approved indications. If used, dose should be individualized by a clinician.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

This medicine is used during labor and delivery. If you are planning a pregnancy, discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. It is not used before pregnancy.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

After cesarean section, this medicine may be used to promote uterine contraction and reduce bleeding. Follow your doctor's instructions for post-operative care.

🦷 Dental Procedures

No specific considerations for dental procedures. Inform your dentist if you are pregnant or have recently received this medicine.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Attend all prenatal check-ups to monitor your health and your baby's health.
🥗
Discuss your birth plan with your healthcare provider, including the possible use of this medicine.
😴
Stay hydrated but avoid excessive fluid intake during labor.
💧
Follow your doctor's advice on pain relief options during labor.
🧘
After delivery, monitor for any unusual bleeding and report immediately.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

During labor, physical activity is limited. After delivery, follow your doctor's advice on when to resume exercise. Avoid strenuous activity until cleared by your healthcare provider.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Maintain a balanced diet during pregnancy.
Stay hydrated but avoid overhydration during labor.
Include iron-rich foods to prevent anemia.
Follow any specific dietary advice given by your healthcare provider.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

This medicine is used during hospital admission for childbirth. It does not affect your ability to work outside the hospital setting. After delivery, you may need time to recover before returning to work.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

This medicine is stopped by the healthcare professional once the desired effect is achieved or if complications occur. Patients should not self-administer or stop the medicine on their own.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

There are no known long-term effects from a single course of this medicine used during labor. However, repeated or prolonged use may increase the risk of water intoxication and hyponatremia. Monitoring is required during administration.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Prostaglandin analogs (e.g., misoprostol, dinoprostone)

Used for cervical ripening and labor induction when oxytocin is not suitable.

Evidence: Well-established
Ergometrine

Used for postpartum hemorrhage but with different side effect profile.

Evidence: Well-established
Carbetocin

A long-acting oxytocin analog for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage.

Evidence: Well-established

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

No specific interactions with vaccines. Routine vaccinations can be given as per schedule.

📦 Storage Guide

✅ DO

Store refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C

❌ DON'T

Do not freeze

✅ DO

Keep in the original carton to protect from light

❌ DON'T

Do not expose to direct sunlight

✅ DO

Use immediately after opening

❌ DON'T

Do not store opened vials for later use

✈️ Traveling with This Medicine

This medicine is administered only in a hospital setting and is not for self-administration. If you are traveling and need this medicine, ensure it is prescribed and administered by a qualified healthcare professional. Carry a copy of your prescription and medical records. Store the injection refrigerated (2-8°C) and protect it from light. Check with local authorities about regulations for carrying prescription injectables.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 28-year-old woman in her first pregnancy with prolonged labor
She was admitted for induction due to prolonged rupture of membranes. This medicine was started as an intravenous infusion, and her contractions gradually increased. She delivered a healthy baby after 6 hours. She experienced mild nausea but no serious side effects.
💡 Lesson: Close monitoring during oxytocin infusion ensures safe delivery and timely management of any side effects.
👤 A 32-year-old woman with postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean section
After delivery, she started bleeding heavily. This medicine was administered intramuscularly, and her bleeding decreased significantly within minutes. She required additional monitoring but recovered well.
💡 Lesson: Prompt administration of oxytocin can be life-saving in postpartum hemorrhage.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: When given intravenously, it works within 1 minute. When given intramuscularly, it takes about 3 to 5 minutes.

Q: Will it harm my baby?

A: When used appropriately under medical supervision, it is generally safe. However, excessive doses can cause fetal distress, so monitoring is essential.

Q: Can I go home immediately after receiving this medicine?

A: No, you will be monitored in the hospital for a period of time to ensure your safety and the baby's well-being.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

  • Can this medicine affect my baby?
  • Will I need this medicine for my next delivery?
  • What are the alternatives to this medicine?
  • How long will the effects last?
  • Can I breastfeed after receiving this medicine?

🔄 Substitutes for oxinam injection

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient:

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

🛑 Myths vs. Facts

  • Myth: This medicine can be taken at home to speed up labor.
    Fact: This medicine must only be administered in a hospital setting with continuous monitoring because it can cause serious complications for both mother and baby.
  • Myth: This medicine is safe for everyone.
    Fact: It is contraindicated in certain conditions such as cephalopelvic disproportion, fetal malpresentation, and previous uterine surgery.
  • Myth: This medicine is only used for labor induction.
    Fact: It is also used to prevent and treat postpartum hemorrhage and to support uterine tone after miscarriage or abortion.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Oxytocin injection

Brand Alternatives

  • Pitocin
  • Syntocinon

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"Oxytocin","class":"Uterotonic","route":"Parenteral","main_use":"Labor induction, postpartum hemorrhage","onset":"Immediate (IV), 3-5 min (IM)","duration":"30-60 min (IM), 1 hour (IV)"},{"medicine":"Ergometrine","class":"Ergot alkaloid","route":"Oral, IM, IV","main_use":"Postpartum hemorrhage","onset":"5-15 min (IM), 1-5 min (IV)","duration":"3-6 hours"},{"medicine":"Misoprostol","class":"Prostaglandin E1 analog","route":"Oral, sublingual, vaginal, rectal","main_use":"Labor induction, postpartum hemorrhage","onset":"30 min (oral), 10-20 min (sublingual)","duration":"3-6 hours"}]

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