Methylergonovine (Methergine)

Category:

• Miscellaneous

Description:

• Oxytocic

Indications:

• Postpartum, postabortal hemorrhage due to uterine atony

• Subinvolution, routine management after delivery of the placenta

Contraindications:

• Hypertension; toxemia; hypersensitivity to ergots

Precautions:

• Pregnancy Category C; small quantities appear in breast milk

• Rapid IV INF (may induce sudden hypertension and CVA’s)

• Sepsis, obliterative vascular disease, hepatic/renal involvement

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• CNS: dizziness, hallucinations, headache, paresthesias, seizure

• CV: hypertension, palpitations, temporary chest pain, thrombophlebitis

• GI: diarrhea, foul taste, nausea, vomiting

• MISC: leg cramps, dyspnea, diaphoresis

Dosage:

Administered orally, intramuscularly and intravenously

• Adult:   

  • IM/IV 0.2mg after delivery of the placenta, after delivery of the anterior shoulder, or during the puerperium; repeat every 2-4 hours as needed

  • PO 0.2mg 3-4 times daily in the puerperium for a max of 1 week