If pitocin is administered intramuscularly, as is often done in third stage, the effects last longer than if given by the IV route. This is not because pitocin exerts an effect after it is gone, it is because it isn't gone. The IM dose acts as a depot and is more slowly absorbed into the bloodstream, and thus available in the body over a longer period of time. By the IV route, if you turn off the infusion, it takes only minutes before the effects subside. Rachel Myr Kristiansand, Norway *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html