Carbetocin Is More Effective in Stabilizing Hemodynamic Parameters Compared to Oxytocin During Cesarean Section

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: First-line uterotonics include carbetocin and oxytocin, which act on the oxytocin receptor with varying potencies. <b>Methods</b>: In 70 pregnant Caucasian women who delivered by cesarean section, the effects of oxytocin and carbetocin on heart rate and blood pressure were compared. The pregnant women were divided into two groups: the OXY group, which received intravenous oxytocin 5 IU on an even day of the month, and the CARBE group, which received intravenous carbetocin 100 µg on an odd day of the month. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured noninvasively every 3 min from the beginning of cesarean section until the lower uterine incision, and then at 1, 2, and 3 min after the fetus and placenta were removed and the uterotonic drugs were discontinued. Subsequent measurements were taken at 3 min intervals until the end of the cesarean procedure. <b>Results</b>: After the administration of uterotonic drugs, a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure was observed only in the group receiving oxytocin at the first (<i>p</i> < 0.0001) and second minute after drug administration (<i>p</i> < 0.0001). Diastolic arterial pressure was significantly different in the study groups at the sixth minute after oxytocin and carbetocin administration (<i>p</i> = 0.004). Mean arterial pressure values were significantly different in the two study groups at the first and sixth minute after drug administration (<i>p</i> = 0.006; <i>p</i> = 0.014). With regard to heart rate, significant differences between the groups were found at 6 min after uterotonic drug administration (<i>p</i> = 0.019). <b>Conclusions</b>: Blood pressure and heart rate variability are significantly higher after oxytocin than after carbetocin administration in women delivering by cesarean section.