METHYLERGOMETRINE injectable

Therapeutic action

• Uterotonic, oxytocic

Indications

• Postpartum haemorrhage due to uterine atony (preferably use oxytocin for this indication)

Forms and strengths, route of administration

• 0,2 mg in 1 ml ampoule ( 0,2 mg/ml), for IM injection

Dosage

• Adult: 0,2 mg every 2 to 4 hours if necessary (max. 1 g)

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Do not administer during delivery or labour.
• Do not administer in case of allergy to ergot alkaloids (cabergoline, bromocriptine, ergotamine, etc.), severe hypertension, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, and septicaemia.
• Do not combine with another ergot alkaloid.
• Administer with caution to patients with hepatic or renal impairment, ischemic disorders.
• Do not administer simultaneously with prostaglandins or oxytocin (addition of uterotonic activity).
• May cause: gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, paraesthesia, confusion, dizziness, tinnitus, hypertension, peripheral vasoconstriction, chest pain.
• Monitor combination with: metronidazole, azole antifungals, macrolides, protease inhibitors, efavirenz, fluoxetine (risk of ergotism).
• Pregnancy: CONTRA-INDICATED
• Breast-feeding: avoid

Remarks

• Do not confuse with dihydroergotamine, another ergot alkaloid used for totally different indications.
• Methylergometrine is also called methylergonovine or methylergobasine.
• Ergometrine is another uterotonic used for the same indications.

Storage 

• Expiry date indicated on the label is only valid if stored under refrigeration and protected from light. Exposure to heat and especially light causes the deterioration of the active ingredient and thus loss of efficacy.
• The solution must be colourless. Discolouration indicated a deterioration of the active ingredient. Never use a coloured solution.
• If refrigeration is not available, vials can be kept for one month on condition that they are protected from light and the temperature remains under 25 °C.