Inducing labor in women with Rh problems, diabetes, preeclampsia, or when it is in the best interest of the mother or fetus. It is also used to help abort the fetus in cases of incomplete abortion or miscarriage, produce contractions during the third stage of labor, and control bleeding after childbirth.

Pitocin is a uterine stimulant. It works by causing uterine contractions by changing calcium concentrations in the uterine muscle cells.