Uterotonic (hormone that causes womb contractions)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Oxytocin is a hormone injection that causes the womb (uterus) to contract, helping to start or strengthen labour contractions and control bleeding after delivery.
Binds to oxytocin receptors on uterine smooth muscle, activating phospholipase C signaling and increasing intracellular calcium concentrations to induce rhythmic myometrial contractions. Also promotes platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction at the placental site to reduce postpartum hemorrhage.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
This is NOT a drug you take by yourself at home. It must only be given by a doctor, nurse, or midwife in a hospital setting. The dose depends on why it is being used — for inducing labour it is usually given slowly through a drip (IV infusion), and for preventing bleeding after delivery it may be injected into the muscle.
This does not apply because oxytocin is given by a healthcare professional in a hospital. You will not be managing doses yourself.
Never buy oxytocin from roadside sellers, chemists, or markets to use at home — it can kill both mother and baby if not given properly in a hospital. Some untrained birth attendants misuse this drug to speed up labour, which can cause the womb to tear open. Always ensure it is administered only by a qualified healthcare professional in a proper facility.
Misoprostol or other drugs that cause womb contractions — using them together can cause the womb to over-contract or rupture. Some blood pressure medications may interact and cause dangerously low blood pressure. Anaesthetic drugs (used during surgery) can affect how the heart responds to oxytocin.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Oxytocin with your other drugs?
Oxytocin is used during pregnancy ONLY under strict medical supervision in a hospital to induce or manage labour — it must never be self-administered as it can be extremely dangerous to both mother and baby.
Store in a refrigerator (2–8°C) or in a cool place away from heat and direct sunlight. Nigerian weather is very hot, so do not leave it outside the fridge for long periods. Keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
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