Generic
Methyl Ergometrine Maleate
3 brands available in the market
At a glance
Methyl Ergometrine Maleate is a medicine used to control bleeding from the uterus that may occur after childbirth or abortion.
Description
Methyl Ergometrine Maleate is an ergot alkaloid. It works by increasing the tone, rate, and amplitude of contractions of the uterine smooth muscle, leading to vasoconstriction and controlling bleeding. It is also used for the active management of the third stage of labor to facilitate the delivery of the placenta.
Indications
- Post-delivery bleeding (Postpartum Hemorrhage)
- Active management of the third stage of labor
- Post-abortion bleeding
- Excessive uterine bleeding
Therapeutic class
Drugs acting on the Uterus
Pharmacological class
Ergot Alkaloid
Pharmacology
Methyl Ergometrine Maleate 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. It also causes peripheral and cerebral vasoconstriction.
Mechanism of action
Controls bleeding and helps deliver the placenta by contracting the smooth muscles of the uterus.
Dosage
Adult Dose:
- Oral: Prophylaxis of postpartum hemorrhage: 200 mcg, 3-4 times daily for 2-7 days.
- Intramuscular (IM): Treatment and prophylaxis of postpartum and postabortal hemorrhage: 200 mcg. May repeat every 2-4 hours as needed. Max: 5 doses.
- Intravenous (IV): As an emergency measure: 200 mcg by slow injection over at least 1 minute. May repeat every 2-4 hours, up to a max of 5 doses.
Administration
- Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break it.
- Take the dose and duration as advised by your doctor.
- May be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
- Injections are administered by trained healthcare professionals.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- High blood pressure
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Chest pain, palpitation
- Seizures
Precautions & warnings
- Caution while driving, as the drug may affect concentration and reaction ability.
- Avoid in patients with high blood pressure, heart disease, eclampsia, or pre-eclampsia.
- Use with caution in patients with liver, kidney, or respiratory problems.
Contraindications
- Hypertension
- Eclampsia or pre-eclampsia
- Heart disease
- Obliterative vascular disease
- Pregnancy (Category X - Dangerous)
- Threatened spontaneous abortion
- Porphyria
Drug interactions
- Halothane: Relaxes uterine muscle, potentially reducing ergometrine's effectiveness.
- Prostaglandins and Oxytocin: May enhance the uterotonic effect.
- CYP3A4 Inhibitors: May lead to vasospasm, cerebral ischemia, or ischemia of extremities.
Food interactions
Information on interaction with alcohol is limited. It is advisable to avoid alcohol as a precaution.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy (Category X): Highly unsafe. Contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. Risk of severe fetal harm.
Pregnancy Category: X — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Use with caution. Breastfeeding should be held until the mother's treatment is completed and the drug is eliminated from her body.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy in children have not been established.
Geriatric use
No specific dose adjustment is known for elderly, but caution is advised.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Limited information is available. Consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Limited information is available. Consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause peripheral vasoconstriction, encephalopathy, convulsions, respiratory failure, acute renal failure, and temporary lactose intolerance. Treatment is supportive.
Storage conditions
Injection: Store in a refrigerator at 2-8°C. Tablet: Store below 25°C.
Chemical structure
Methyl Ergometrine Maleate