What is the biologic half-life of oxytocin?

The biologic half-life of oxytocin is typically recognized to be in the range of 10 to 15 minutes. This relatively short half-life means that the effects of oxytocin administration in the body are temporary, requiring careful consideration when it is used for labor induction or management of uterine atony, for instance.

Understanding the half-life is crucial for clinicians as it helps guide the timing and frequency of dosing to maintain appropriate therapeutic levels while managing the associated risks. The pharmacokinetics of oxytocin are significant in clinical settings, as they inform the effective administration and potential adjustments needed based on the maternal and fetal responses during labor.