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Oxytocin

Prescription
Oxytocic hormone
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Synthetic analog of posterior pituitary hormone; stimulates uterine smooth muscle contraction by increasing intracellular calcium and promoting prostaglandin synthesis; also promotes milk let-down by contracting myoepithelial cells of mammary alveoli

At a glance

Class
Oxytocic hormone
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
2–8°C refrigerated, protect from light; do not freeze

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Uterine inertia (dystocia), postpartum hemorrhage, milk let-down
Dose
0.5–5 IU per dog
Route
IM, SC, IV (diluted, very slow)
Frequency
Repeat Q15–30 min for up to 3 doses if needed
Max dose
20 IU/dose; 60 IU/day
Duration: Use only after cervix confirmed dilated; not for obstructive dystocia
🐈

Cat

Uterine inertia (dystocia), milk let-down
Dose
0.25–3 IU per cat
Route
IM, SC
Frequency
Repeat Q15–30 min for up to 3 doses if needed
Max dose
3 IU/dose; 9 IU/day
Duration: Use only after cervix confirmed dilated
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💉

Injectable solution — 2

Strength
10 IU/mL
Available in India
Strength
20 IU/mL
Available in India

Storage

2–8°C refrigerated, protect from light; do not freeze

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Obstructive dystocia (fetal malpresentation, pelvic obstruction)
    UTERINE RUPTURE risk if fetus cannot be delivered
  • Undilated cervix
    May cause uterine rupture

Use with caution

  • Uterine fatigue (prolonged labor)
    Exhausted uterus may not respond; consider cesarean section

Adverse effects

Common
Transient tachycardia
Cramping
Serious
Uterine rupture
Fetal distress
Water intoxication (IV high doses)

Monitoring parameters

Fetal heart rate (ultrasound)Uterine contraction strengthFetal delivery progressDam's vital signs
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

Major — 1

Misoprostol
major
Both cause uterine contraction. Misoprostol (PGE1 analog) + oxytocin: excessive uterine stimulation risking uterine rupture.
Management: Do not combine without careful obstetric monitoring. If used sequentially for dystocia, allow one to take effect before adding the other.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Brands

International

Pitocin
Par Pharmaceutical
Oxytocin Injection (Vet)
Various

India

Oxytocin
Neon Laboratories
Pitocin
Zydus Cadila

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a oxytocic hormone used in pets. Synthetic analog of posterior pituitary hormone; stimulates uterine smooth muscle contraction by increasing intracellular calcium and promoting prostaglandin synthesis; also promotes milk let-down by contracting myoepithelial cells of mammary alveoli
What is Oxytocin used for in pets?
Oxytocin is used in veterinary medicine for: Uterine inertia (dystocia), postpartum hemorrhage, milk let-down; Uterine inertia (dystocia), milk let-down.
What is the Oxytocin dose for dogs?
For dogs, Oxytocin is typically dosed as follows — Uterine inertia (dystocia), postpartum hemorrhage, milk let-down: 0.5–5 IU per dog IM/SC/IV (diluted, very slow) Repeat Q15–30 min for up to 3 doses if needed. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Oxytocin dose for cats?
For cats, Oxytocin is typically dosed as follows — Uterine inertia (dystocia), milk let-down: 0.25–3 IU per cat IM/SC Repeat Q15–30 min for up to 3 doses if needed. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What are the side effects of Oxytocin?
Common: Transient tachycardia, Cramping. Serious (call your vet immediately): Uterine rupture, Fetal distress, Water intoxication (IV high doses).
Does Oxytocin need a prescription?
Yes. Oxytocin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
When should Oxytocin not be used?
Do not use Oxytocin if: Obstructive dystocia (fetal malpresentation, pelvic obstruction); Undilated cervix.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database
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