ERGOMETRINE MALEATE

Oxytocic agent. Contracts uterine muscle

Dosage Forms

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Injection

500 μg/ml

Uses

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  • Prevention and treatment of postpartum and post-abortion haemorrhage

Dose and Duration

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Postpartum haemorrhage
Adult and adolescent: 200 micrograms by IM injection when the anterior shoulder is delivered or immediately after birth
Excessive uterine bleeding
Adult and adolescent: by slow IV injection, 250‒500 micrograms when the anterior shoulder is delivered or immediately after birth

Contraindications

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  • Induction of labour
  • First and second stages of labour
  • Vascular disease (e.g. deep vein thrombosis)
  • Severe heart disease especially angina pectoris
  • Severe hypertension
  • Severe liver disease
  • Severe kidney disease
  • Sepsis
  • Eclampsia

Side Effects

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  • Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
  • Headache, dizziness, tinnitus
  • Chest pain, palpitations, hypertension and widespread vasoconstriction
  • Difficulty in breathing

Interactions

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  • Efavirenz (increased risk of ergotism)
  • Lopinavir/ritonavir (risk of ergometrine toxicity)

Pregnancy

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  • Can be used

Breastfeeding

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  • Can be used

Storage

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  • Store between 2‒8° C

⚠️ Caution

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  • Produces faster contractions superimposed on a continuous contraction
  • Preferably use oxytocin if available as it is more stable than ergometrine
  • Requires cold chain transportation