Chapter 40: Posterior Pituitary Hormones: Antidiuretic Hormone and Oxytocin

Drug Class: Antidiuretic Hormone Analogs

Mimics endogenous ADH to allow reabsoption of water.

Indicated for diabetes insipidus

Vasopressin

Drug Class: Antidiuretic Hormone Analogs

Routes: SC, IM

Can increase blood pressure, stimulate smooth muscle vasoconstriction in control of hemorrhage

Additional use: prevent/relieve abdominal distension after surgical procedures

Desmopressin

Drug Class: Antidiuretic Hormone Analogs

Routes: PO, IV, SC, and Intranasal

Additional uses: nocturnal enuresis

Used in Hemophilia A and mild-moderate von Willebrand disease type I (Causes release of VWF)

Drug Class: Oxytocics

Mimics endogenous oxytocin to stimulate uterine contractions

Indicated for labor induction and postpartum/hemorrhage.

dinoprostone (Cervidil)

Drug class: Oxytocics

Routes: Vaginal suppository or gel

Prostaglandin medication

Used for cervical ripening prior to labor

oxytocin (Pitocin)

Drug class: Oxytocics

Routes: IV

Additional adverse effects from excessive administration: uterine rupture and subsequent fetal distress, injury, or death

Cautionary warning: medical induction of labor rather than elective

methylergonovine

Drug class: Oxytocics

Routes: PO, IM

Ergot alkaloid medication

Postpartum hemorrhage/bleeding control only. Not used to induce labor.

Additional adverse effects: Constriction of blood vessels and hypertension

Excessive administration: restricted blood flow to extremities causing tissue anoxia and gangrene

Drug Class: Tocolytics

Inhibit uterine contractions and Control of preterm or premature contractions

terbutaline

Drug Class: Tocolytics

Routes: SC

Beta-adrenergic agonist

Increases heartrate of mother and fetus

nifedipine

Drug Class: Tocolytics

Routes: PO

Calcium channel blocker

magnesium sulfate

Drug Class: Tocolytics

Routes: IV

More commonly used for seizure prevention in preeclampsia and eclampsia.

May slow heart and respiratory rate of mother.