Oxytocin, Ergot Alkaloids & Prostaglandins.

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2. CONTENTS
(1) Introduction To Oxytocics
[I] Oxytocin :- Therapeutic Uses
Side Effects
[II] Ergot Alkaloids :- Therapeutic Uses
Side Effects
[III] Prostaglandins :- Therapeutic Uses
Side Effects
(2) Difference between Oxytocin & Ergometrine
(3) Difference Between Oxytocin & Prostaglandins
(4) Reference
(5) Conclusion

3. Introduction to Oxytocics
Oxytocics are the drugs of varying chemical
nature that have the power to stimulate the
contraction of uterine muscles.
Also called Uterotonics.
The introduction of oxytocic drugs for the
treatment of Post Partum Hemorrhage (PPH)
has been regarded as “one of the enduring
achievements of modern science”.

4. Drugs Producing Uterine Contractions (Oxytocic Drugs)
[1] Oxytocin
[2] Ergot Alkaloids - Ergometrine (Ergonovine)
[3]Prostaglandins PGE2, PGF2α

5. Oxytocin
Synthesis of Oxytocin
It is a posterior pituitary hormone secreted by
the posterior pituitary gland.
Oxytocin secretion occurs by sensory
stimulation from cervix, vagina and from
suckling at breast.

6. Therapeutic Uses
1) Induction & augmentation of labor (slow L.V
Infusion) :-
Uterine inertia
Incomplete abortion
Post Maturity
2) Post Partum Uterine Haemorrhage (I.V drip) :-
Impaired milk ejection
One puff in each nostril 2-3 min before nursing.

7. Side Effects
 Hypertension
 Uterine Rupture
 Foetal Death (Ischemia)
 Water Intoxication
 Neonatal Jaundice

8. Ergot Alkaloids
Ergot is the natural alkaloid of
Claviceps purpurea that grows on rye, wheat,
and other grains.
Ergometrine (Ergovine)
Methylergonovine

9. Therapeutic Uses
Post Partum Haemorrhage [PPH] :-
The uterus at term is extremely sensitive to the
stimulant action of ergot and even moderate
doses produce a prolonged and powerful spasm
of the muscle quite unlike natural labor.
Therefore, ergot derivatives should be used only
for control of late uterine bleeding and should
never be given before delivery
Oxytocin is the preferred agent for control of
postpartum haemorrhage but if this is ineffective,
ERGOMETRINE (0.2mg) is given intramuscularly.

10. Side Effects
 Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
 Hypertension
 Vasoconstriction of peripheral blood vessels
(toes & fingers)
 Gangrene

11. Prostaglandins
Mechanism of Action
Contract uterine smooth muscle
Difference between PGs & Oxytocin
i)PGs contract uterine smooth muscles not only at term
(as with oxytocin), but throughout pregnancy.
ii) PGs soften the cervix; whereas oxytocin does not.
iii) PGs have longer duration of action than oxytocin.

12. Therapeutic Uses
Induction of abortion (pathological)
Induction of labor (foetal death in utero)
Postpartum haemorrhage

13. Side Effects
 Nausea, vomiting.
 Abdominal Pain
 Diarrhoea
 Bronchospasm (PGF2)
 Flushing (PGE2)

14. Difference between
Oxytocin & Ergometrine
Character Ergometrine Oxytocin
Contractions Tetanic contraction; doesn’t
resemble normal
physiological contractions
Resembles normal physiological
contractions
Uses Only in Post Partum
Haemorrhage
To induce & augment labor.
Post Partum Haemorrhage
Onset & Duration Moderate onset
Long duration of action
Rapid onset
Shorter duration of action

15. Difference between
Oxytocin & Prostaglandins
Character Prostaglandins Oxytocin
Contraction Contraction throughout
pregnancy
Only at term
Cervix Soften the cervix Do not soften the cervix
Duration of action Longer Shorter
Uses Used for abortion in 2nd
trimester of pregnancy.
Used as vaginal suppository
of induction of labor
No used for abortion
Used for inducton and
augmentation of labor and
post partum harmorrhage.

16. CONCLUSION
A uterotonic, also known as ecbolic, is an agent used
to induce contraction or greater tonicity of the
uterus. Uterotonics are used both to induce labor,
and to reduce post partum haemorrhage. Some
uterotonics act as analogues of oxytocin.
Hence, the presentation on Oxytocics was completed
by accommodating information from the sources
mentioned in the subsequent slide.

17. REFERENCE
www.omicsonline.com
www.sciencedirect.com
www.bethamscience.com
Medicinal Chemistry, D.Sriram.
Textbook of Medicinal Chemistry, Foye’s.

18. THANK YOU