Oxytocin Infusion Rate

Clinical description

Oxytocin flow rates are generally started at 1-2 mU/min and are safe up to 15 mU/min with close monitoring of the woman and fetus.

Flow rates beyond 15 mU/min may be considered after discussion with the Consultant and warrant internal monitoring.

Do not keep increasing oxytocin dose if patient has reached 3 strong contractions within 10 minutes.

After reaching the maximum dose, if no cervical change within 4 hours, stop oxytocin and proceed with Cesarean.

Conversion

• 1 drop per min = 3 ml/hr
• 15 dpm = 45 ml/hr
• 30 dpm = 90 ml/hr
• 45 dpm = 135 ml/hr
• 60 dpm = 180 ml/hr

Oxytocin amount in Oxytocin amount in Drops per min Dose in mIU/min 1000 ml of NS 500 ml of NS 5 IU 2.5 IU 7.5 1.875 5 IU 2.5 IU 15 3.75 5 IU 2.5 IU 30 7.5 5 IU 2.5 IU 45 11.25 5 IU 2.5 IU 60 15