Meta Information
ID:oxytocin
Name:
Schema Version:2.4_uniform_evidence_2026_06_18
Created
2026-05-21T22:30:00Z
Model
phase-a-upgrade-claude-sonnet-4.6
Interactions
Target id:
/class/prostaglandins
Target name:
Prostaglandins (e.g., dinoprostone, misoprostol)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
6
Hours after target:
6
Description:
Co-administration can lead to excessive uterine contractions (hyperstimulation), potentially causing fetal distress or uterine rupture.
Actionable advice:
Oxytocin should not be administered within 6 hours of receiving vaginal prostaglandins.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Subsequent to intra-amniotic injection of hypertonic saline, prostaglandins
Label source:
FDA label: Oxytocin (Pitocin)
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/class/vasopressors
Target name:
Vasopressor Medications (e.g., epinephrine)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Oxytocin can enhance the blood pressure-raising effects of vasopressor drugs, leading to severe hypertension, particularly when given around the time of caudal block anesthesia.
Actionable advice:
Concurrent use should be avoided; if necessary, blood pressure should be monitored continuously.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
prophylactic administration of a vasoconstrictor
Label source:
FDA label: Oxytocin (Pitocin)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy (for non-obstetric use)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions and is contraindicated during pregnancy unless used for medically supervised induction or augmentation of labor.
Actionable advice:
This should be strictly avoided during pregnancy unless under direct medical supervision for labor.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Where there is significant cephalopelvic disproportion
Label source:
FDA label: Oxytocin (Pitocin)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/hyponatremia
Target name:
Hyponatremia (Low Blood Sodium)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Oxytocin promotes water retention, which can dangerously lower already low blood sodium levels, increasing the risk of seizures and coma.
Actionable advice:
Use should be avoided with low blood sodium until the condition is corrected.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
the possibility of water intoxication
Label source:
FDA label: Oxytocin (Pitocin)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/hypersensitivity-to-oxytocin
Target name:
Known Hypersensitivity to Oxytocin
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
A previous allergic reaction to oxytocin is an absolute contraindication to its use.
Actionable advice:
This should be strictly avoided with a known allergy to oxytocin.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
In patients with hypersensitivity to the drug
Label source:
FDA label: Oxytocin (Pitocin)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/class/qt-prolonging-agents
Target name:
QT-Prolonging Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Oxytocin can prolong the QT interval, and co-administration with other QT-prolonging drugs increases the risk of potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias (Torsades de Pointes).
Actionable advice:
This is best avoided with other QT-prolonging drugs; if concurrent use is unavoidable, it is a good idea to monitor an EKG.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Cardiac arrhythmia
Label source:
FDA label: Oxytocin (Pitocin)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/class/inhalational-anesthetics
Target name:
Inhalational Anesthetics (e.g., halothane, sevoflurane)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Certain inhalational anesthetics can diminish oxytocin's uterine effects and may increase the risk of hypotension and abnormal heart rhythms.
Actionable advice:
It is a good idea to inform the anesthesiologist if oxytocin is being administered, as dose adjustments may be needed.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Cyclopropane anesthesia may modify oxytocin's cardiovascular effects
Label source:
FDA label: Oxytocin (Pitocin)
Action type:
adjust_with_prescriber
Target id:
/condition/renal-impairment
Target name:
Renal Impairment
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Oxytocin has an antidiuretic effect that can lead to water retention and low sodium levels (hyponatremia), a risk that is increased in individuals with impaired kidney function.
Actionable advice:
This is best used with caution, and it is a good idea to monitor fluid balance and electrolytes closely in those with kidney disease.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
accomplished largely by the kidney and the liver. Only small amounts are excreted in
Label source:
FDA label: Oxytocin (Pitocin)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/condition/cardiovascular-disease
Target name:
Cardiovascular Disease or Hypertension
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Oxytocin can cause unpredictable changes in blood pressure and heart rate, which may be risky for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
Actionable advice:
This is best used with caution and under medical supervision in those with a history of heart disease or high blood pressure.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
oxytocin's cardiovascular effects
Label source:
FDA label: Oxytocin (Pitocin)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/dietary/excessive-fluid-intake
Target name:
Excessive Fluid or Water Intake
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
4
Description:
Due to its antidiuretic properties, taking oxytocin with excessive fluid intake can increase the risk of water intoxication and dangerously low sodium levels.
Actionable advice:
Normal hydration is best maintained, and consuming large volumes of fluids around the time of oxytocin administration is best avoided.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
particularly when oxytocin is administered continuously by infusion and the patient is receiving fluids by mouth
Label source:
FDA label: Oxytocin (Pitocin)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/intervention/strong-social-connections
Target name:
Positive Social Interaction
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0.5
Hours after target:
2
Description:
The prosocial and trust-enhancing effects of oxytocin are amplified when administered in a safe and positive social context.
Actionable advice:
Oxytocin is best used shortly before or during positive social activities like spending time with loved ones.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
endogenous oxytocin release is enhanced by positive social interaction
Label source:
Primary literature: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29055260/
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/intervention/mdma-therapy
Target name:
MDMA (Ecstasy)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
MDMA potently releases the body's own oxytocin; co-administering exogenous oxytocin could lead to unpredictable or excessive effects and is not well-studied.
Actionable advice:
Oxytocin is best not combined with MDMA or other potent empathogenic substances.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
MDMA stimulates oxytocin release
Label source:
Primary literature: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15235329/
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/dietary/alcohol-acute
Target name:
Alcohol (Acute Consumption)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
4
Hours after target:
4
Description:
Alcohol can suppress the body's natural release of oxytocin and may counteract the intended prosocial or therapeutic effects of supplemental oxytocin.
Actionable advice:
Alcohol is generally best avoided for several hours before and after using oxytocin to maximize its effects.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
the possibility of water intoxication
Label source:
FDA label: Oxytocin (Pitocin)
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/intervention/meditation
Target name:
Meditation or Relaxation Practices
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0.5
Hours after target:
1
Description:
Combining the calming effects of oxytocin with mindfulness or relaxation techniques may synergistically reduce stress and anxiety.
Actionable advice:
Consider using oxytocin just before a meditation or breathwork session to deepen relaxation.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
endogenous oxytocin release is enhanced by positive social interaction
Label source:
Primary literature: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29055260/
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/intervention/sexual-activity
Target name:
Sexual Activity
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0.5
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Oxytocin plays a natural role in sexual arousal and bonding; supplementation may enhance feelings of intimacy and connection with a partner.
Actionable advice:
If desired, use oxytocin shortly before engaging in sexual activity to potentially enhance emotional connection.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
endogenous oxytocin release is enhanced by positive social interaction
Label source:
Primary literature: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29055260/
Action type:
informational_none