Ergonovine (Ergotrate)

Category:

  • Nervous System

Description:

  • Oxytocic

Indications:

  • Postpartum/postabortal hemorrhage due to uterine atony

Contraindications:

  • Augmentation of labor; administration before delivery of placenta

  • Threatened spontaneous abortion

Precautions:

  • Pregnancy category D; not recommended for routine use prior to delivery of the placenta; may lower prolactin levels, which may decrease lactation

  • Calcium deficiency, prolonged use, hypertension, heart disease

  • Venoarterial shunts, mitral valve stenosis, obliterative vascular disease, sepsis

  • Renal or hepatic disease

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

  • CNS: dizziness, fainting, headache

  • CV: chest pain, hypertension

  • EENT: tinnitus

  • GU: cramping

  • MISC: sweating, dyspnea

Dosage:

Administered intramuscularly and intravenously

  • Adult: 

    • IM/IV 0.2mg, severe uterine bleeding may require repeated doses, but rarely more than 0.2mg per 2-4 hours (confine IV route to emergencies)

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300  

Gynecology and Obstetrics CD-ROM
Volumes 1-6
2004 Edition
 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Copyright 2004
All Rights Reserved