Indocin Intravenous and Oxytocin Intravenous, Intramuscular

• Generic Name: indomethacin
• Dosage Forms: rectal suppository
• Other Brand Names: Indocin, Indocin SR, Tivorbex

Indomethacin injection is used to treat patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants (babies born too early) who weigh between 500 and 1750 grams. PDA is a heart problem where a blood vessel, the ductus arteriosus, fails to close normally after birth. This blood vessel is only used before birth, and is no longer needed after the baby is born. Indomethacin injection works by causing the PDA to constrict, and this closes the blood vessel. This medicine is used when other medical treatment for PDA fails after 48 hours.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: oxytocin
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Pitocin, Syntocinon

Oxytocin is a hormone used to help start or continue labor and to control bleeding after delivery. It is also sometimes used to help milk secretion in breast-feeding.

Oxytocin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

In general, oxytocin should not be used to start labor unless there are specific medical reasons. Be sure you have discussed this with your doctor before receiving oxytocin.

Oxytocin is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals removed Syntocinon® nasal spray from the market in March 1995.