We have readily available, by prescription, a nasal spray for use by BF
mothers with MER problems.  Though often used inappropriately, it is
valuable in some cases.  It is produced by Novartis and marketed under the
name Syntocinon and contains 40 IU of syntocinon per ml.  Is it not
available in the US anymore?  It used to be when I was a kid, because I
babysat for a lady who used it.
In the post on how this type of drug was used, the poster said 'one spray in
each nostril' before nursing.  The package insert for our spray specifies
that one spray, one squeeze of the plunger, is one dose, and ONE NOSTRIL IS
ENOUGH.
The amount of oxytocin delivered to the nasal mucosa is a whopping 4
international units.  I have seen mothers go from no contractions to baby
born with far less than half that amount administered IV, diluted to one
unit per deciliter in 5 percent glucose, to induce labor.  A double spray
gives 8 units.  Even though the half-life is very short, 4 units is plenty.
If 4 doesn't do the job, neither will 8, and the woman runs twice the risk
of irritating her mucous membrane, not to mention using up the spray twice
as fast.
Rachel Myr
midwife (= someone who makes a living off other people's oxytocin)
Kristiansand, Norway

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