BP

Ergometrine maleate

Proprietary

Ergometrine Injection BP 0.05% w/v (Hameln) (Non-proprietary, see BNF for details)

Group

Oxytocic

Uses/indications

Ergometrine Injection is used in the active management of the third stage of labour and in the treatment of postpartum haemorrhage

Type of drug

POM

Presentation

Sterile injection

Dosage

500 mcg ergometrine in 1 mL

Route of admin

IM, IV

Contraindications

Not be used during the first or second stages of labour, or administered to patients with hypertension (including that of pre-eclamptic toxaemia), occlusive vascular disorders, severe cardiac liver or renal failure or sepsis. The product is also contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to ergometrine
Special care if given to patients with sepsis or Raynaud’s disease

Side effects

Headache, dizziness, tinnitus, cardiac arrhythmias, palpitations, bradycardia, chest pain, coronary arteriospasm with very rare reports of myocardial infarction, hypertension, vasoconstriction, dyspnoea, pulmonary oedema, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and skin rashes

Interactions

The vasoconstrictor effects of ergometrine are enhanced by sympathomimetic agents. Halothane anaesthesia may diminish the effects of ergometrine on the parturient uterus

Pharmacodynamic properties

Causes sustained contractions of the uterus within 7 min IM and almost immediately IV
Sustained uterine contractions
Controls uterine haemorrhage

Fetal risk

Ergometrine use is restricted entirely to the third stage of labour, otherwise it is not recommended for use during pregnancy

Breastfeeding

Ergometrine use is restricted entirely to the third stage of labour, otherwise it is not recommended for use during lactation