atosiban acetate at a glance
Medicine class
Oxytocin-receptor antagonist and tocolytic.
Usual role
Temporarily suppresses contractions when imminent preterm birth has been diagnosed and licensed criteria are met.
Administration
Intravenous injection followed by a diluted intravenous infusion under specialist supervision.
Monitoring
Uterine contractions and fetal heart rate are monitored during treatment.
What is atosiban acetate used for?
Licensed use represented by the selected UK products:
Delaying imminent preterm birth in adult pregnant women between 24 and 33 completed weeks who have regular contractions, specified cervical changes and a normal fetal heart rate.
How does atosiban acetate work?
Atosiban competes with oxytocin at its receptors, reducing the frequency and strength of uterine contractions. It also has activity at vasopressin receptors.
atosiban acetate preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 7.5 mg/mL, 37.5 mg/5 mL
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 6.75 mg/0.9 mL, 7.5 mg/mL
How to take atosiban acetate
Atosiban is not taken by mouth or self-administered. An experienced obstetric clinician gives the intravenous injection and infusion.
Treatment is initiated and maintained in an obstetric unit.
The infusion concentrate must be diluted in a compatible infusion fluid.
Solutions should be clear and free from particles before use.
atosiban acetate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea
- Headache or dizziness
- Vomiting
- Fast heartbeat
- Low blood pressure or flushing
- Raised blood glucose
- Injection-site reaction
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction, including swelling, breathing difficulty or collapse
- New or worsening breathlessness, which may indicate pulmonary oedema
- Unusually heavy bleeding after delivery or poor uterine contraction
atosiban acetate in pregnancy
Atosiban is intended for diagnosed preterm labour during a defined stage of pregnancy. It crosses the placenta and is used only after specialist assessment of whether delaying birth is appropriate and safe for the pregnant woman and baby.
atosiban acetate while breastfeeding
Small amounts can pass into breast milk. If breastfeeding an older child, stop during treatment because breastfeeding releases oxytocin and may oppose the intended effect. Discuss restarting with the maternity team.
atosiban acetate interactions
Cytochrome P450 interactions are considered unlikely. The main concern is combined use with other medicines that suppress labour.
Calcium-channel blockers used as tocolytics
Combined use may increase pulmonary-oedema risk, particularly in multiple pregnancy.
Beta-mimetic tocolytics
Combined use may increase pulmonary-oedema risk and requires caution.
Betamethasone
A study found no clinically relevant interaction.
Common questions about atosiban acetate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is atosiban acetate used for?
It is used in hospital to suppress uterine contractions and delay imminent preterm birth when licensed clinical criteria are met.
How is atosiban acetate given?
Maternity staff give it intravenously as an injection followed by a diluted infusion.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.