pitocin

Thân thiện

A doctor administers Pitocin to a patient in labor.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A synthetic form of oxytocin: Pitocin is a trademarked name for a synthetic version of the hormone oxytocin. It is used medically to induce or strengthen labor contractions during childbirth and to control bleeding after delivery.
   • A uterotonic agent: It acts directly on the uterine muscles, stimulating them to contract.

Usage

• Pitocin is administered in a controlled clinical setting, typically intravenously, by healthcare professionals.
• It is used to initiate or augment (strengthen) labor when contractions are insufficient.
• It is also used postpartum to help the uterus contract and reduce bleeding.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor decided to administer Pitocin to help progress the stalled labor.
  • After the delivery, she was given Pitocin to minimize postpartum hemorrhage.

Advanced Usage

• "Pitocin induction": The process of starting labor using Pitocin.
  • She was scheduled for a Pitocin induction at 41 weeks.
• "Pitocin augmentation": The use of Pitocin to strengthen existing but ineffective labor contractions.
  • Due to prolonged labor, they began Pitocin augmentation.

Variants and Related Words

• Oxytocin (n): The natural hormone that Pitocin mimics. It is secreted by the pituitary gland and facilitates childbirth, lactation, and social bonding.
• Syntocinon (n): Another brand name for synthetic oxytocin, used similarly to Pitocin.

Synonyms

• Synthetic oxytocin: The generic description of the drug.
• Uterotonic: A substance that causes uterine contractions.

Notes

• Pitocin is a registered trademark. In medical contexts, the generic term "oxytocin" is often used interchangeably when referring to the synthetic form for induction, though "Pitocin" remains common in clinical parlance.
• Its use requires careful monitoring due to potential side effects, such as overly strong contractions (hyperstimulation) that can affect the baby's heart rate.

Học thuật

Noun

1. hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland (trade name Pitocin); stimulates contractions of the uterus and ejection of milk

Từ đồng nghĩa

• oxytocin
• Pitocin