Presentation

Clear, sterile, aqueous solution for injection of oxytocin equivalent to 10 iu per ml. (0.18 mg/ml). Chlorbutanol 5 mg/ml is included as a preservative.

Uses

Injections of Oxytocin-S will initiate strong, regular and purposeful contractions of the uterine muscle especially in the later stages of pregnancy and post-partum.   Oxytocin-S evokes the 'let-down' of milk although it has no action on the smooth muscles of the gut or urinary bladder, nor is it effective in the treatment of diabetes insipidus.   The absence of vasopressor and antidiuretic effects make Oxytocin-S particularly suitable for obstetric use (stimulation of parturition, promotion of uterine involution and control of post-partum haemorrhage) and the treatment of agalactia.

Oxytocin-S is indicated for:

-  stimulation of uterine contraction to facilitate parturition in the presence of a fully dilated cervix

-  to promote involution of the post-parturient uterus and thus aid the passage of retained placenta

-  to aid in the control of post-partum haemorrhage

-  promotion of milk 'let-down' in cases of agalactia and to facilitate ‘stripping out’ of   infected quarters in the treatment of mastitis in cows.

Dosage and administration

Oxytocin-S should normally be given by deep intramuscular injection.

Species                         Dosage

Cat                                    2-5 iu              0.2 -0.5 ml

Dog                                 2-10 iu                 0.2 -1 ml

Ewe, goat, sow                 2-10 iu                 0.2 -1 ml

Mare                              10-40 iu                    1- 4 ml

Cow                             Indications (see above) other than mastitis

              10-40 iu                   1- 4 ml

Adjunct to mastitis treatment

a single dose of up to 80 iu (8 ml) prior to stripping out before first mastitis treatment followed by repeated doses of 20 iu (2 ml) prior to each stripping out 2 or 3 times daily while mastitis treatment continues.

Where the intravenous route is used, these doses should be reduced to one-quarter of the intramuscular dose and the injection given slowly at a dilution of 1 in 10 Water for Injections Where speed of onset is not a priority, Oxytocin-S may be given by the subcutaneous route.

A low initial dosage is recommended by any route as repeat administration is permissible.

Large doses may be employed in post-parturient animals. 

Use with aseptic precautions.

Contra-indications, warnings etc.

1. When Oxytocin-S is used as an aid to parturition, cervical dilation must be confirmed prior to administration to prevent the risk of foetal death and possible uterine rupture.
   
2. Oxytocin-S is contra-indicated in any form of obstructive dystocia.
   
3. Excessive doses of the product may delay parturition by producing incoordinated uterine contractions which interfere with the progress of the foetus especially in multiple pregnancies.
   
4. The effects of daily dosages of 100 iu or more (to facilitate ‘stripping out’ of infected quarters in the treatment of mastitis in cows) on the oestrous cycle have not been fully investigated and the cycle length may be altered.
   
5. Adrenaline at physiological levels markedly reduces the effect of oxytocin on the uterus or mammary gland. For this reason the animal should not be frightened when complete oxytocin effect is desired to cause either milk 'let down' or uterine contractions.

User warning:

Care should be taken to avoid accidental self-injection.   Should self-injection occur, medical advice should be sought immediately. Women, particular during lactation or the later stages of pregnancy should avoid handling the product as it could cause smooth muscle (e.g. uterine) contraction.

Withdrawal periods:  

Cattle, horses, pigs, sheep and goats: Meat – zero days.

Cattle, sheep and goats: Milk – zero hours

FOR ANIMAL TREATMENT ONLY.  KEEP OUT OF REACH AND SIGHT OF CHILDREN.

Pharmaceutical precautions

Store in a refrigerator (+2^o and +8^o C). Protect from light.

Avoid the introduction of contamination during use.

Following withdrawal of the first dose, use the product within 28 days.

When the container is broached for the first time, the date on which any product remaining in the container should be discarded should be calculated. A statement of the in-use shelf life of the product is given on the packaging insert. This discard date should be written in the space provided on the label.

Should any apparent growth or discoloration occur, the product should be discarded

Dispose of any unused product and empty containers in accordance with guidance from your local waste regulation authority.

Legal category

POM-V                                    To be supplied only on veterinary prescription

Package quantities

25 ml

Further information

Do not use in late pregnancy unless the intention is to promote parturition.

Marketing Authorisation number

Vm    01708/4314                      UK authorised veterinary medicinal product.

Marketing Authorisation holder

INTERVET UK Ltd.

Walton Manor

Walton, Milton Keynes

MK7 7AJ

Date of preparation

August 2006.