Atosiban
About Atosiban
Atosiban is a prescription medicine used to temporarily delay premature labour in pregnant women when labour starts too early, generally between 24 and 33 completed weeks of pregnancy. By reducing contractions of the womb, this medicine can provide extra time for the healthcare team to prepare for the baby's early birth.
This medicine works by blocking the action of oxytocin, a natural hormone that causes the womb to contract. Reducing the effect of oxytocin helps decrease the frequency and strength of contractions and temporarily delay premature labour.
Atosiban is given directly into a vein by a healthcare professional in a hospital. Treatment starts with an injection into the vein, followed by an infusion (slow drip) for up to 48 hours when needed. Because it is given directly into the bloodstream, food does not affect how the medicine is absorbed.
Common side effects may include nausea, headache, dizziness, or hot flushes. Tell your healthcare team right away if you develop difficulty breathing, chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or signs of a serious allergic reaction. You and your baby will be monitored during treatment.
Before treatment, your doctor will check whether delaying labour is safe for you and your baby. This medicine should not be used in certain situations where continuing the pregnancy may be unsafe, such as severe pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, significant bleeding, infection inside the womb, or certain problems affecting the placenta or baby. Tell your healthcare team about all medicines you take and any medical conditions you have.
Uses of Atosiban
Medicinal Benefits
Atosiban can temporarily delay premature labour, giving your healthcare team valuable time to provide care that may improve outcomes for you and your baby.
- Provides time for important treatment: Delaying birth may allow corticosteroid medicines to be given to help the baby's lungs and other organs prepare for an early birth.
- Allows time for transfer when needed: The delay may provide enough time to transfer you to a hospital with specialist care for premature babies if this is needed.
- Reduces premature contractions: By reducing the frequency and strength of contractions, this medicine can temporarily slow the progress of premature labour.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Atosiban is administered by the doctor or nurse.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Atosiban
Common Side Effects (Usually Mild)
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Hot flushes
- Reaction at the injection site
- Changes in blood sugar levels
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away)
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Severe or widespread skin rash
- Chest pain or tightness
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Severe dizziness or fainting
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Stay under medical supervision: This medicine is given in a hospital so your condition and your baby's wellbeing can be monitored throughout treatment.
- Report changes in contractions: Tell your healthcare team if your contractions become stronger, more frequent, or return during treatment.
- Report breathing or heart symptoms: Tell your healthcare team right away if you develop difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe dizziness, or a fast or irregular heartbeat.
- Report injection-site problems: Tell your nurse if you develop pain, burning, redness, or swelling where the medicine is being given.
- Share your medical information: Tell your healthcare team about all medicines you take and any pregnancy complications or other medical conditions you have.
- Follow your maternity team's advice: Whether premature labour should be delayed depends on the health of both you and your baby, so treatment may be stopped if delivery becomes the safer option.
Drug Interactions
- Other medicines used to delay labour: Using more than one medicine that reduces contractions may increase the risk of side effects. Such combinations should only be used under close medical supervision.
- Other pregnancy treatments: Tell your healthcare team about all medicines you are receiving so they can check that your treatment plan is appropriate.
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 your healthcare team's advice: Your recommended level of activity depends on your condition, so follow the instructions given by your maternity team while being treated for premature labour.
- Stay hydrated: Drink enough fluids as advised by your healthcare team.
- Eat nourishing foods: Follow a balanced diet that provides the nutrients needed during pregnancy unless your healthcare team gives you different dietary instructions.
- Avoid smoking: Do not smoke or use tobacco products during pregnancy, as they can harm you and your baby.
- Avoid alcohol: Alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy because it can harm the developing baby.
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 is used to prevent premature labour or premature birth.
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.
Atosiban belongs to a class of drugs known as tocolytic agents. It contains the active ingredient Atosiban, which delays premature birth in pregnant women.
Atosiban is usually administered by a healthcare provider in a medical setting. The standard procedure involves three stages over 48 hours: an initial intravenous injection, a high-dose infusion over three hours, and a lower-dose infusion for up to 45 hours. If contractions return, the treatment can be repeated up to three more times. Always follow the doctor's instructions and never self-administer it.
The possible side effects associated with Atosiban may include injection site reactions, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, hot flushes, fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, light-headedness, and high blood sugar. These side effects are usually temporary and resolve when the treatment is stopped. However, if they persist or worsen, inform your doctor immediately.
No. This medicine is given into a vein by trained healthcare professionals in a hospital or suitable clinical setting where you and your baby can be monitored.
Treatment starts with an injection into a vein, followed by a continuous infusion. The healthcare team manages the dose and infusion rate throughout treatment.
A treatment course may continue for up to 48 hours. Your doctor will decide how long treatment is needed based on your contractions and the health of you and your baby.
Not always. The aim is to temporarily reduce contractions and delay birth when doing so is safe. If labour continues or delaying birth is no longer appropriate, your healthcare team will decide on the safest next steps.
Tell your healthcare team if contractions return or become stronger. They will reassess you and your baby and decide whether further treatment or delivery is appropriate.
It depends on factors such as how many weeks pregnant you are, whether there are signs of infection, and the health of you and your baby. Your doctor will decide whether delaying labour is safe in your situation.
Yes. Your maternity team will monitor your baby's wellbeing as appropriate while also checking your contractions and your own health.
Follow your healthcare team's instructions. Whether you can eat or drink normally may depend on your condition and whether there is a possibility that delivery or another procedure may be needed.
This medicine is used before delivery to delay premature labour. Breastfeeding advice after delivery depends on your medicines and clinical situation, so ask your healthcare team for guidance.
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