Mechanism of Action of Oxytocin Nasal Spray
Jul 21, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lei Ling
Introduction
1. Promote the initiation of lactation and maintain adequate breast milk production;
2. Increase total milk volume;
3. Effectively prevent postpartum hemorrhage following vaginal delivery;
4. Facilitate uterine involution after vaginal delivery, prevent intrauterine fluid accumulation, and shorten the duration of lochia;
5. Promptly establish the milk ejection reflex to facilitate infant suckling;
6. Exert neurotransmitter effects, promoting maternal calmness, enabling breastfeeding behavior, and fostering the mother–infant bond.
Oxytocin nasal spray is a Western medicine belonging to the class of posterior pituitary hormones. Its active ingredient is oxytocin. The clinical effects of oxytocin nasal spray include the following:
1. Promotes initiation of lactation and helps maintain adequate breast milk production;
2. Accelerates lactation onset in mothers delivering preterm infants and increases total milk volume;
3. Effectively prevents postpartum hemorrhage following vaginal delivery—its efficacy surpasses that of intramuscular oxytocin injection;
4. Facilitates uterine involution after vaginal delivery, prevents intrauterine fluid accumulation, and shortens the duration of lochia;
5. Allows for repeated self-administration, enabling timely establishment of the milk ejection reflex, nipple erection, and facilitating infant suckling;
6. Acts as a neurotransmitter to promote maternal calmness, support breastfeeding behavior, and foster a lifelong mother–infant bond.
Oxytocin nasal spray assists with milk ejection but does not stimulate milk production—a critically important distinction. Furthermore, this product is indicated exclusively for facilitating the ejection of colostrum during the first week postpartum. Its use is time-limited: it is effective only within the first seven days after delivery; beyond this period, it confers no benefit. Specific dosing and administration must follow the physician’s instructions. Reported adverse reactions include, but are not limited to, occasional nasal irritation, epistaxis (nosebleed), uterine bleeding, excessive uterine contractions, and lacrimation. Important note: This product aids only in milk ejection—not in milk synthesis.
