Product details
Oxytocin is a hormonal agent with several therapeutic uses in animals, including the induction of labor or milk let-down, acceleration of normal birthing, evacuation of postpartum uterine debris, and control of uterine bleeding.
This product is an injectable solution- only administer as instructed by your veterinarian.
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This sterile injectable solution contains oxytocin, an oxytocic hormone used to induce or enhance rhythmic contractions of the uterus and/or stimulate milk let-down in certain animals.
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Do not use during dystocia (obstructed labor) due to abnormal maternal anatomy and/or presentation of the fetus unless correction is made.
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Oxytocin is classified as a hazardous drug. Pregnant individuals (especially in their third trimester) should avoid handling this medication if possible; if handling is necessary, wear gloves and exercise extreme caution.
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May be prescribed for other animal species; please consult your veterinarian.
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While this drug does not have an FDA-approved indication for all animal uses, it is commonly accepted for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for use in animals.
*Please note: This is a generic medication. Product packaging and appearance, including size, color, and shape, may differ from the description or images provided and are subject to manufacturer availability.
Product sourced directly from the manufacturer or their approved distributor. Guaranteed genuine product backed by the manufacturer.
For
Horses
Active ingredient(s)
Oxytocin
Common brand names
Pitocin
Drug class
Hormonal agent, Oxytocic, Injectable
Product strength & size
This sterile injectable solution contains 20 USP Units of oxytocin per 1 mL of solution. Please ensure the selected product is appropriate for your pet, as recommended by your veterinarian.
For current availability, please refer to the product selection above.
Usage
Oxytocin Injectable Solution should be administered as directed by your veterinarian. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the medication. Please consult your veterinarian before making any changes or discontinuing the prescribed dosing schedule.
Injectable medications require needles, syringes, and a designated sharps disposal container. These are not included with the medication and must be purchased separately.
Please consult your veterinarian for guidance regarding appropriate needle and syringe sizes for your pet.
For general injectable use (aseptic technique):
Aseptic technique refers to a set of practices designed to minimize the risk of contamination and infection during medical procedures. These practices can also be applied to the handling and administration of injectable medications to your pet to help reduce the risk of post-injection bacterial infections.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after administration.
Use a new, sterile needle and syringe for each injection. Needles and syringes should never be reused.
Do not touch the needle, syringe tip, or vial stopper (once it has been wiped with alcohol) to any surface to avoid contamination.
Adequately clean and disinfect the vial stopper with an alcohol wipe, then allow it to dry before inserting the sterile needle/syringe.
Withdraw and administer the prescribed dose as directed by your veterinarian.
Dispose of the needle/syringe immediately after use into a proper sharps disposal container.
If you are pregnant: avoid handling this medication if possible, especially during the third trimester of pregnancy. If handling is necessary, wear gloves and exercise extreme caution during handling and administration. All pet owners should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling (even if gloves are worn).
Missed doses
Administer the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not administer more medication than prescribed or two doses at once.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place at a controlled room temperature (68 to 77°F), or as otherwise indicated by the manufacturer packaging/product insert. Protect from freezing.
Keep in a secure location out of the reach of children and pets. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.
Side effects
When this medication is used appropriately, significant side effects are rare. Possible side effects include (but may not be limited to) uterine cramping and discomfort.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if fetal delivery is delayed; milk production does not occur; your pet experiences vomiting, fever, or seizures; or if any signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., facial/throat swelling, difficulty breathing, rash) occur.
Notify your veterinarian if your pet experiences any of the effects described above, or if you notice any other side effects that are persistent or troublesome.
If you notice anything unusual, please consult your veterinarian.
Precautions
For animal use only- not for use in humans.
Inspect the vial before each use. Do NOT use this medication if the solution changes in appearance (e.g., color, cloudiness, presence of visible particles, etc). These may be signs that the product is contaminated and no longer fit for use.
Do NOT use during dystocia (obstructed labor) due to abnormal maternal anatomy and/or presentation of the fetus unless correction is made.
This medication should NOT be used in animals with a physical barrier/obstruction to successful natural birth; if vaginal delivery is not possible; those with a fever or that are vomiting, or if the cervix is not fully relaxed/ready.
Hypocalcemia (abnormally low calcium levels) should be corrected prior to using this medication.
Use with caution in animals with low blood sugar, or in those with mammary gland abnormalities (if being used for milk let-down).
Do not administer to animals with a known history or suspected allergy/hypersensitivity to this medication or any of its ingredients. Allergic reactions to medications may occur. Be sure to inform Vetsource and your veterinarian if your pet has any known drug sensitivities or allergies.
If your pet displays symptoms of an allergic reaction, discontinue therapy and call your veterinarian immediately or seek emergency veterinary attention. Symptoms may include (but are not limited to): swollen lips, tongue, face, or airways; difficulty breathing; agitation; profuse salivation; and widespread hives or itching.
Human exposure warning
This medication is classified as hazardous due to potential exposure risks, especially for individuals in their third trimester of pregnancy.
Use appropriate precautions (e.g., wear gloves) while handling this medication to minimize exposure risk. Exercise extreme caution during administration, being careful to avoid accidental needle sticks or injections. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward (even if gloves are worn).
Drug and food interactions
The following drugs* may have potential interactions with this medication: beta agonists (e.g., albuterol, clenbuterol), dinoprost (Lutalyse), misoprostol, NSAIDs (e.g., flunixin), phenylpropanolamine (Proin), SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), sotalol, and vasoconstrictors (e.g., epinephrine).
*NOTE: this may not be a comprehensive list. Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.
Please ensure your veterinarian is aware of all medications and supplements that your pet is currently receiving. Your veterinarian may prescribe multiple medications, even if a potential drug interaction may occur. In these instances, your veterinarian may adjust the dosages or monitor your pet more closely.
Adverse reactions
If you are concerned that your pet has experienced an adverse reaction to this medication, please contact Vetsource Pet Owner Care at 877-738-4443.
Overdose
If you have any reason to suspect an overdose, call your doctor/veterinarian or the appropriate poison control resource immediately.
For humans:
The national toll-free Poison Help line, 1-800-222-1222, will connect you to your local poison center in case of emergency. This service is available nationwide and in most U.S. territories.
For animals:
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 888-426-4435.
Pet Poison Helpline® also provides a 24/7 animal poison control service at 855-764-7661.
*Please note: this information is for third-party services and is provided for convenience in case of potential poison-related emergencies. There may be consultation fee for these services.
Disclaimer
The content provided on this page is NOT medical advice.
All content, including the images and product description above, is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary consultation, diagnosis, or treatment.
Consult your veterinarian for complete information about this product and how it fits into your pet's individual treatment plan.
Last revised: 7/25/2025