Ergometrine Maleate

Generic Details

Generic Name

Ergometrine-Maleate

Other Names

  • Ergonovine Maleate

Drug Class

  • Uterotonic Agent

Chemical Formula

C23H27N3O5

Molecular Weight

413.48 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Ergometrine acts directly on the smooth muscle of the uterus by binding to and activating alpha-adrenergic and serotonin receptors, leading to sustained contractions.

Indications

  • Prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage
  • Management of incomplete or inevitable abortion
  • Induction of labor
  • Treatment of uterine atony

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablets
  • Injection

Typical Dosage

  • 0.2 mg to 0.5 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed or as directed by healthcare provider
  • 0.2 mg to 0.5 mg IM/IV slowly over 1 minute

Pediatric Dosage

  • Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients

Geriatric Dosage

  • Dose adjustment may be needed in elderly patients due to potential age-related changes in hepatic or renal function

Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Hypertension
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Uterine cramps
  • Peripheral vascular spasm

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to ergot alkaloids
  • Severe hypertension
  • Preeclampsia
  • Eclampsia
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Sepsis

Pregnancy Category

  • Category C - use only if potential benefits justify potential risk to the fetus

Lactation Safety

  • Limited data available, caution advised. Use only if benefits outweigh risks.

Drug Interactions

  • Beta-blockers
  • Alpha-blockers
  • CYP3A4 inhibitors
  • Ergot alkaloids

Overdose Symptoms

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Vasospasm
  • Respiratory depression
  • Seizures

Antidote for Overdose

  • Supportive care, vasodilators like nitrates or calcium channel blockers may help alleviate vasospasm

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Well absorbed after oral or parenteral administration
  • Distribution: Crosses the placenta and is distributed into breast milk
  • Metabolism: Primarily hepatic metabolism
  • Excretion: Excreted in urine

Precautions

  • Monitor blood pressure during administration
  • Caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment

Warnings

  • Should only be administered by healthcare providers experienced in managing obstetrical emergencies

Others

  • Avoid use in patients with a history of ergotism