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  5. Common obstetric problems, intrapartum labour ward
  6. Oxytocin (Syntocinon) (598)
Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits. 

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number.  To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Oxytocin (Syntocinon) (598)

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Note - Oxytocin is a potentially dangerous medicine. As it is in common use this fact may not be respected. Misuse of Oxytocin in Labour is a common criticism in Obstetric litigation. Prolonged intravenous administration at high doses with large volume of fluid (as possible in inevitable or missed abortion or post partum haemorrhage) may cause water intoxication with hyponatraemia. To avoid: use electrolyte containing diluent (i.e. not glucose) increase oxytocin concentration to reduce fluid, restrict fluid intake by mouth; monitor fluid and electrolytes.Indications:

  1. Management of third stage labour (unlicensed obstetric use).
  2. Induction of labour - separate doses for primigravida women, parous women and those women undergoing vaginal birth after Caesarean section.
  3. Augmentation of labour - separate doses for primigravida women, parous women and those women undergoing vaginal birth after Caesarean section.
  4. Delivery of second twin
  5. Caesarean section as prophylaxis against PPH
  6. Postpartum Haemorrhage.
  7. Incomplete, inevitable, or missed abortion

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Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 25/10/2017

Next review date: 31/07/2023

Author(s): Julie Murphy.

Version: 2

Approved By: Obstetrics Clinical Governance Group

Document Id: 598