User:Mr. Ibrahem/Oxytocin

Synthetic oxytocin, sold under the brand name Pitocin among others, is a medication made from the peptide oxytocin. It is used to cause contraction of the uterus to start labor, increase the speed of labor, and to stop bleeding following delivery. For this purpose, it is given by injection either into a muscle or into a vein.

The use of synthetic oxytocin can result in excessive contraction of the uterus that can risk the health of the baby. Common side effects in the mother include nausea and a slow heart rate. Serious side effects include rupture of the uterus and with excessive dose, water intoxication. Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis may also occur.

The natural occurrence of oxytocin was discovered in 1906. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. , the wholesale cost in the developing world is US$0.10 to 0.56 per dose.