Ergometrine Maleate

Ergometrine Maleate is used for postpartum and post-abortion bleeding, 3rd stage of labour, and uterine bleeding. It causes contraction of the uterine muscle to control bleeding.

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.

• Postpartum Haemorrhage: Prevention and treatment of excessive bleeding after delivery.
• Post-abortion Bleeding: Control of bleeding after abortion.
• 3rd Stage of Labour: Aids in placental separation and expulsion.
• Uterine Bleeding: Control of excessive uterine bleeding.

Drugs acting on the Uterus

Uterine Contractor (Ergot Alkaloid)

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.

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.

Adult Dose:

• Postpartum Hemorrhage (Oral): 0.2-0.4 mg PO q6-12hr for 48 hr or until danger of uterine atony has passed; max 1 week.
• Postpartum Hemorrhage (Parenteral): 0.2 mg IM; may repeat in 2-4hr; not to exceed 5 doses total.
• Emergency IV: 0.2 mg IV over >1 minute; only in emergency (due to risk of HTN & CVA).
• 3rd Stage of Labour: 0.5 mg with 5 units oxytocin IM (after delivery of anterior shoulder).

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Administered as IM/IV injection.

If you miss a dose of Ergometrine Maleate, please consult your doctor.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Tinnitus
• Chest pain
• Palpitation
• Bradycardia
• Transient hypertension
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Dyspnoea
• Rash (sometimes)
• Shock

Potentially Fatal: MI, Pulmonary oedema.

Precautions:

• Breech and abnormal foetal presentation
• Hypertension
• Chronic anaemia
• Hepatic, renal, respiratory or cardiac impairment
• Toxemia
• Lactation
• Hypocalcaemia
• Monitor BP, pulse and uterine response

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy (1st and 2nd stage)
• Preeclampsia, eclampsia
• Threatened spontaneous abortion
• Porphyria

Drug Interactions:

• Halothane: Causes relaxation of uterine muscle and may interfere with ergometrine action.
• Prostaglandins and Oxytocin: Enhanced uterotonic effect.
• CYP3A4 Inhibitors: May lead to vasospasm, cerebral ischaemia and/or ischaemia of extremities.
• Sympathomimetics and other vasoconstrictors: Enhanced vasoconstrictive effects.

Food Interactions: It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Ergometrine Maleate. Consult your doctor.

Use in Pregnancy: Category X. Fetal abnormalities demonstrated in animal or human studies. Contraindicated in pregnant women.

Use in Lactation: Excreted in milk; adverse effect on nursing infant; may inhibit lactation; use not recommended.

Pediatric Use: No specific dosage recommendations for children.

Geriatric Use: No specific dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution in patients with kidney disease.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution in patients with liver disease.

Overdose: Symptoms include peripheral vasoconstriction, encephalopathy, convulsions, respiratory failure, acute renal failure and temporary lactose intolerance. Treatment is supportive.

Storage: IM/IV: Refrigerate at 2-8°C. Oral: Store below 25°C.

Ergometrine Maleate