Atosiban
About
Atosiban belongs to a class of medications called ‘tocolytic agents. It is used in adult women from week 24 to week 33 of the pregnancy to delay the premature birth of the baby. Premature labour occurs when the cervix opens after week 20 but before week 37 of pregnancy as a consequence of regular contractions. Preterm labour can result in premature delivery.
Atosiban contains Atosiban, which works by weakening the contractions of the uterus. It also reduces the frequency with which contractions occur. It accomplishes this by inhibiting the function of oxytocin, a natural hormone in your body that causes uterine contractions.
A qualified healthcare professional will administer Atosiban. The common side effects are injection site reactions, feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting), headache, feeling dizzy, hot flushes, fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, feeling dizzy or light-headed, and high blood sugar. These side effects usually go away without requiring any treatment. However, if these side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor immediately.
Atosiban may not be suitable for everyone, so tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have, especially if you are less than 24 weeks pregnant, more than 33 weeks pregnant, or amniotic fluid loss (premature rupture of your membranes), or if you have completed 30 weeks of your pregnancy or more, if your unborn baby (foetus) has an abnormal heart rate, or if you have bleeding from your vagina. You should stop breastfeeding while you are given Atosiban.
Uses of Atosiban
Medicinal Benefits
Atosiban contains Atosiban, which belongs to a class of medications called ‘tocolytic agents. It works by delaying the contractions of the uterus. It also reduces the frequency with which contractions occur. It accomplishes this by inhibiting the function of oxytocin, a natural hormone in your body that causes uterine contractions. Thereby delaying the delivery, decreasing the risk of miscarriage, and preventing immature birth.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Atosiban
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Headache
- Feeling dizzy
- Hot flushes
- Fast heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- feeling dizzy or light-headed
- Injection site reactions
- High blood sugar
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Atosiban should not be used if your unborn baby has died, you have or could have an infection of the uterus, your placenta is covering the birth canal, your placenta is detaching from the wall of your womb, or you or your unborn baby have any other conditions that make continuing your pregnancy dangerous. If any of the following apply to you or you are unsure, check your doctor before being given Atosiban. Also, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions and the medications you are taking.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Atosiban may interact with a medicine used to treat high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat (e.g. acebutolol, sotalol, quinidine), antiplatelet drugs (e.g. anagrelide), medications to treat or prevent HIV/AIDS (e.g. saquinavir), antipsychotic drugs (e.g. thioridazine, ziprasidone) and anti-cancer medication (e.g. vandetanib, toremifene).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Atosiban should be used with caution in pregnant women with diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), migraine headaches, overactive thyroid and heart or blood vessel disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol as it may cause serious side effects.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedAtosiban is used to prevent premature labour during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeYou should stop breastfeeding while you are given Atosiban.
Driving
unsafeAtosiban may cause dizziness and blurred vision. Hence, avoid driving or operating machines until you are alert and your vision is clear.
Liver
cautionLimited information is available about using Atosiban in patients with liver disease. Inform your doctor before receiving the Atosiban if you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionLimited information was available about using Atosiban in patients with kidney disease. Inform your doctor before receiving the Atosiban if you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
unsafeAtosiban is not recommended for use in children as it is used during pregnancy only.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Follow a healthy diet. Include vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in your meals.
- Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water.
- Cut down on sugars, salts, spicy food, coffee, and alcohol.
- A heating pad can help ease the pain by placing it on the belly or lower back.
- Exercise can help ease the pain of menstrual cramps.
- Avoid stress by performing meditation or yoga.
- Massage your lower back or abdomen to relieve the pain.
- Take proper rest.
Special Advise
Maternal pulse rate, blood pressure, and fetal heart rate (FHR) should be closely monitored while using Atosiban.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Premature labor: Premature labor is also called preterm labor when your baby starts getting ready for birth too early in your pregnancy. It starts before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Premature labor can be caused by premature rupture of membranes, high blood pressure during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia), and poor diet. Preterm labor symptoms include leaking fluid or bleeding from the vagina, feeling pressure in the pelvis, and cramps that feel like regular menstrual cramps. Many premature babies need special care and also have long-term mental and physical disabilities.
FAQs
Atosiban contains Atosiban works by weakening uterine contractions. It also lessens the frequency with which contractions occur. It accomplishes this by suppressing the activity of oxytocin, a natural hormone in your body that causes the contractions. As a result, the delivery is postponed, the danger of miscarriage is reduced, and premature birth is avoided.
No, do not use Atosiban in women who are more than 33 weeks pregnant.
No, do not use Atosiban in women who are less than 24 weeks pregnant.
Atosiban increases blood glucose levels, so it should be used with caution in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus. In addition, Atosiban is not recommended for use in pregnant women with uncontrolled diabetes.
You should consult your doctor on a frequent basis throughout your pregnancy. Take your medications as given by your doctor and take care of any health issues you may have, particularly diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, and thyroid issues. Don't drink alcohol and quit smoking, as both might make your health worse.
