Methylergometrine
About
Methylergometrine belongs to the class of medication called 'ergot alkaloids' or 'uterotonic' primarily used to prevent and stop heavy bleeding (postpartum-third stage of labour bleeding) after childbirth or after a miscarriage in cesarean section. Besides this, it is also used to improve uterine contraction (antepartum) and produce uterine contraction during the third stage of labor (postpartum). Postpartum haemorrhage is heavy bleeding (more than normal) after the birth of the baby.
Methylergometrine contains a semi-synthetic ergot alkaloid 'Methylergometrine', that stimulates uterine muscles and increases the uterus' contractions, thus reducing blood loss. It also increases the effects of a natural substance called prostaglandins (PGs), increasing contractions and producing labour. As a result, these increased uterine contractions help in the child's delivery and substantially reduce excessive uterine bleeding.
Methylergometrine will be administered by a healthcare professional. Do not self-administer. The most common side effects of Methylergometrine are nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and mild headache in some cases. Most of these side effects of Methylergometrine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
If you ever had surgery on the uterus, cesarean, or premature labour, please inform your doctor to avoid any complications. If you have been given prostaglandins, then do not take Methylergometrine; if both medicines are taken together, it can increase the contractions. Methylergometrine should not be used for a prolonged time if the contractions do not increase or have severe pre-eclamptic toxemia (high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling), blood or heart circulation problem.
Uses of Methylergometrine
Medicinal Benefits
Methylergometrine contains a semi-synthetic ergot alkaloid 'Methylergometrine' primarily used to stop heavy bleeding postpartum, i.e. third stage of labour bleeding after childbirth or after a miscarriage in cesarean section. Additionally, it plays a significant role in birth by increasing uterus contractions and inducing labour in pregnant women. Methylergometrine works by stimulating uterine muscles and expanding the uterus' contractions, thus reducing blood loss. It also increases the effects of a natural substance called prostaglandins (PGs), increases the contraction,s and hence induces labour. As a result, these increased uterine contractions help deliver the child and substantially reduce excessive uterine bleeding.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Methylergometrine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Stomach pain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Methylergometrine if you are allergic to Methylergometrine or any of its ingredients. Increasing the dose of Methylergometrine can be harmful if your womb already has too strong contractions, any obstructions in the pathway that might prevent the delivery or if the baby is not receiving a sufficient oxygen supply. Also, the use of Methylergometrine is not advisable if the baby is wrongly positioned in the birth canal, the baby’s head is too large to fit through the pelvis, the placenta lies near the neck of the womb, the placenta separates from the womb before birth, the womb is over-extended and likely to tear (in case you are carrying more than one baby). If you have been given prostaglandins, do not use Methylergometrine within 6 hours as both medications, if taken together, can increase the contractions. Methylergometrine should not be used for a prolonged time if the contractions do not increase or if you have severe pre-eclamptic toxaemia (high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling) or blood or heart circulation problems.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Methylergometrine may interact with anaesthetics (sevoflurane, halothane, cyclopropane, desflurane), other medicines used to start labour (prostaglandins), anti-diuretic hormone (vasopressin), a neurotransmitter (dopamine), anti-sickness medicine (ondansetron), sympathomimetic agents (epinephrine).
Drug-Food Interaction: Grapefruit juice intake should be avoided with Methylergometrine as it may interact with Methylergometrine to produce unpleasant side effects.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Methylergometrine should not be given to patients with previous cesarean section, hypertension (high blood pressure), heart problem, cervical cancer, herpes infection, kidney problem, if you are more than 40 weeks pregnant or are more than 35 years age, the pelvis is too small for normal delivery.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeIt is not known if alcohol affects Methylergometrine. Consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeMethylergometrine is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIt is advised to avoid breastfeeding for at least 12 hours after taking Methylergometrine as this medicine may pass into breast milk and can harm a nursing baby.
Driving
unsafeAvoid driving and operating machinery.
Liver
safe if prescribedMethylergometrine is not known to show any interaction in liver disease.
Kidney
cautionMethylergometrine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose will be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
unsafeMethylergometrine is not recommended for children below the age of 18 years. The safety and effectiveness of Methylergometrine have not been established in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Long walks can help to relieve stress, keep your body strong, and help in easy delivery.
- Please take a little bit of Castrol oil as it is known to stimulate prostaglandin, which ripens the cervix and get labor started.
- Some food like dates, raspberry tea leaves are known to ripen the cervix and get labor started.
- Acupressure also stimulates labor and helps in delivery.
Special Advise
- Methylergometrine when given for induction of labor, stimulation of labor and prevention of vaginal bleeding after delivery of the baby especially after caesarean surgery. It must be administered only by the intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) route under medical supervision in a hospital setting only.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Postpartum haemorrhage: It is a serious but rare condition which causes excessive vaginal bleeding within one day after giving birth to the child. It happens mostly in cases of cesarean birth. When a baby is delivered, the uterus of the body contracts and forces out the placenta. After the placenta's delivery, these contractions put pressure on the bleeding vessels at the place where the placenta was attached, resulting in vaginal bleeding. It is normal to lose some amount of blood after delivery, but if a woman is losing more blood than normal, it can be dangerous.
FAQs
Methylergometrine works by stimulating uterine muscles and increasing the uterus' contractions, thus reducing blood loss. It also increases the effects of a natural substance called prostaglandins (PGs), and increases the contraction, thereby inducing labour pain in pregnant women. As a result, these increased uterine contractions help in the child's delivery and substantially reduce excessive uterine bleeding.
If you have a previous premature delivery or a cesarian section, or cervical surgery, please inform your doctor before starting Methylergometrine. Also, mention a detailed medical history to your doctor to avoid any complications.
The most common side effects of Methylergometrine include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, mild headache. You might also feel increased uterine contractions for some time, but these are manageable under medical supervision.
It is suggested to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Methylergometrine as it can worsen the side effects of Methylergometrine.
It is advised to tell your doctor if you are using antifungal medicine (Fluconazole) or other medicine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, as taking Methylergometrine with some medications may cause serious side effects.
