Ergometrine information from DrugsUpdate  

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacokinetics

Ergometrine causes contraction of the uterine muscle. At low doses, there is an increase in frequency and amplitude of contractions while at higher doses, the basal tone of the uterus is increased. Ergometrine also causes vasoconstriction of peripheral and cerebral vessels.

Onset
5-15 min (oral); 2-7 min (IM).

Absorption
Rapid absorption from the GI tract (oral).

Metabolism
Hepatic.

Ergometrine Indications / Ergometrine Uses

Information Not Available

Ergometrine Adverse Reactions / Ergometrine Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea; headache, dizziness; tinnitus; chest pain, palpitation, bradycardia, transient hypertension and other cardiac arrhythmias; dyspnoea, sometimes rashes, shock.

Potentially Fatal: MI, pulmonary oedema.

Precautions

Information Not Available

Special Precautions

Breech and abnormal foetal presentation; hypertension; chronic anaemia; hepatic, renal, respiratory or cardiac impairment; toxemia; lactation; hypocalcaemia. Monitor BP, pulse and uterine response.

Other Drug Interactions

Halothane causes relaxation of uterine muscle and may interfere with ergometrine action. Enhanced uterotonic effect with prostaglandins and oxytocin. Concurrent admin with CYP3A4 inhibitors may lead to vasospasm, cerebral ischaemia and/or ischaemia of extremities.
Potentially Fatal: Enhanced vasoconstrictive effects with sympathomimetics and other vasoconstrictors

Other Interactions

Information Not Available

Dosage

Oral
Postpartum and post-abortion bleeding
Adult: 0.2-0.4 mg 2-4 times daily until danger of uterine atony and haemorrhage has passed (usually 48 hours). Max duration: 1 week postpartum.

Intravenous
Excessive uterine bleeding
Adult: 200 mcg via IV inj over at least 1 minute. May follow with oral doses of 200-400 mcg 2-4 times daily until the danger of atony or haemorrhage has passed (usually 48 hours).

Intramuscular
Active management of the 3rd stage of labour
Adult: 500 mcg given with 5 units of oxytocin after delivery of the anterior shoulder of the infant or immediately after delivery.

Intramuscular
Treatment and prevention of postpartum haemorrhage
Adult: 200 mcg, may repeat in severe bleeding every 2-4 hours as needed.

Food(before/after)

Information Not Available

Ergometrine and Pregnancy

Contraindicated in pregnancy.

Category X: Studies in animals or human beings have demonstrated foetal abnormalities or there is evidence of foetal risk based on human experience or both, and the risk of the use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweighs any possible benefit. The drug is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant.

Ergometrine and Lactation

Caution when used during lactation

Ergometrine and Children

Information Not Available

Ergometrine and Geriatic

Information Not Available

Ergometrine and Other Contraindications

Pregnancy, 1st and 2nd stage of labour, patients with preeclampsia, eclampsia or threatened spontaneous abortion; porphyria.

Storage

Intravenous
Refrigerate at 2-8°C

Oral
Store below 25°C

Lab interference

Intravenous
Refrigerate at 2-8°C

Oral
Store below 25°C