Treatment and prophylaxis of postpartum and postabortal haemorrhage, Treatment and prophylaxis of postpartum and postabortal haemorrhage, Prophylaxis of postpartum haemorrhage
Drugs acting on the Uterus
Methyl Ergometrine or Methylergonovine acts directly on the smooth muscle of the uterus and increases the tone, rate, and amplitude of rhythmic contractions. Thus, it induces a rapid and sustained tetanic uterotonic effect which shortens the third stage of labor and reduces blood loss. The onset of action after I.V. administration is immediate; after I.M. administration, 2-5 minutes, and after oral administration, 5-10 minutes.
Intramuscular (Adult)- Treatment and prophylaxis of postpartum and postabortal haemorrhage: 200 mcg. May repeat every 2-4 hr. Max: 5 doses. Intravenous (Adult)- Treatment and prophylaxis of postpartum and postabortal haemorrhage: As an emergency measure: 200 mcg by slow inj over at least 1 minute, may repeat every 2-4 hr, up to a max of 5 doses. Oral (Adult)- Prophylaxis of postpartum haemorrhage: 200 mcg 3-4 times daily in the puerperium for 2-7 days.
There have been rare reports of serious adverse events in connection with the coadministration of certain ergot alkaloid drugs (e.g., dihydroergotamine and ergotamine) and potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors, resulting in vasospasm leading to cerebral ischemia and/or ischemia of the extremities. Although there have been no reports of such interactions with methylergonovine alone, potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors should not be coadministered with methylergonovine. Examples of some of the more potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors include macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, troleandomycin, clarithromycin), HIV protease or reverse transcriptase inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, delavirdine) or azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole). Less potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors should be administered with caution. Less potent inhibitors include saquinavir, nefazodone, fluconazole, grapefruit juice, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, zileuton, and clotrimazole. These lists are not exhaustive, and the prescriber should consider the effects on CYP 3A4 of other agents being considered for concomitant use with methylergonovine.
Hypertension, eclamptic or previously hypertensive patients, heart disease, venoatrial shunts, mitral valve stenosis, obliterative vascular disease. Do not use in cases of threatened spontaneous abortion. Pregnancy. Captivation of the placenta may occur if given during the 2nd or 3rd stage of labour prior to delivery of the placenta; use in this situation should only be done by a qualified personnel. Avoid prolonged use. Caution in patients with sepsis, hepatic or renal impairment. Lactation.
Headache, dizziness, hallucinations; tinnitus; nausea, vomiting, foul taste, diarrhoea; hypertension, temporary chest pain, palpitations, bradycardia; nasal congestion, dyspnoea; diaphoresis; thrombophlebitis; haematuria; water intoxication; leg cramps; allergic reactions.
Category C: Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.
Symptoms of acute overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, oliquria, abdominal pain, numbness, tingling of the extremities, rise in blood pressure, in severe cases followed by hypotension, respiratory depression, hypothermia, convulsions, and coma.
Store below 25°C; in tight, light-resistant container.