Investigating how oxytocin works during cesarean deliveries

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Oxytocin in Cesarean Delivery

PHASE2 · University of Chicago · NCT05488457

This study is testing how oxytocin works during scheduled cesarean deliveries to see if it helps prevent complications like uterine atony in new mothers.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Chicago (other)
Locations2 sites (Stanford, California and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05488457 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to understand the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oxytocin in parturients undergoing non-emergent cesarean deliveries. Participants will receive a bolus of deuterated oxytocin followed by a standard oxytocin infusion after the delivery of the fetus. Blood samples will be collected at various time points to analyze the concentration of oxytocin and its effect on uterine contraction. The study will help clarify how oxytocin functions in preventing uterine atony, a condition affecting many postpartum women.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18-50 with a term intrauterine pregnancy undergoing a scheduled or unscheduled cesarean delivery.

Not a fit: Patients with allergies or contraindications to oxytocin will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the management of postpartum hemorrhage by optimizing oxytocin use during cesarean deliveries.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored oxytocin's role in postpartum care, but this specific pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

* 18-50 years old
* intrauterine pregnancy
* term (\>39 weeks gestation or 37-39 weeks gestation with fetal or maternal medical indication for delivery) pregnancy
* non-emergent (scheduled or unscheduled) cesarean delivery

Exclusion Criteria:

* allergy or contraindication to oxytocin
* inability to provide informed consent

Where this trial is running

Stanford, California and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Post Partum Hemorrhage, Cesarean Section Complications, Blood Loss, Oxytocin, pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics, Uterine Tone, Postpartum, Elective C-Section

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.