Products

ERGOMED
Methylergometrine maleate


What is Ergomed?

Ergomed (Methylergometrine maleate), is a uterine stimulant used during the third stage of labor (just after the delivery of the baby up to delivery of the placenta and fetal membranes) to prevent or control excessive bleeding following childbirth. It works by increasing the stiffness (muscle tone) of the uterus muscles and affects the strength and timing of uterine contractions. This effect decreases bleeding, thereby reducing blood loss after childbirth.

Ergomed is also used just after a baby is born, to help deliver the placenta (also called the "afterbirth").

Ergomed Basic Information:

Generic name: Methylergometrine maleate. (In the U.S. it is also called methylergonovine maleate)

Ergomed is available in sterile ampuls of 1 mL, containing 0.2 mg (200 mcg.) methylergometrine for intramuscular or intravenous injection.

Ergomed acts directly on the smooth muscle of the uterus and increases the tone, rate, and amplitude of rhythmic contractions. Thus, it induces a rapid and sustained effect which shortens the third stage of labor and reduces blood loss. The onset of action after I.V. administration is immediate; after I.M. administration, 2-5 minutes.

Indications and Usage for Ergomed:

For routine management of the third stage of labor, after delivery of the placenta; postpartum atony and hemorrhage; subinvolution. Under full obstetric supervision, it may be given in the second stage of labor following delivery of the anterior shoulder.

Contraindications

Hypertension; toxemia; pregnancy; and hypersensitivity.

Ergomed is a blood vessel constrictor, and as such, it may aggravate hypertension in already hypertensive patients.

Warnings

Ergomed should not be administered I.V. routinely because of the possibility of inducing sudden hypertensive and cerebrovascular accidents. If I.V. administration is considered essential as a lifesaving measure, Ergomed should be given slowly over a period of no less than 60 seconds with careful monitoring of blood pressure. Intra-arterial or periarterial injection should be strictly avoided.

Precautions

Caution should be exercised in the presence of sepsis, obliterative vascular disease, hepatic or renal involvement. Also use with caution during the second stage of labor. The necessity for manual removal of a retained placenta should occur only rarely with proper technique and adequate allowance of time for its spontaneous separation.

Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reaction is hypertension associated in several cases with seizure and/or headache. Hypotension has also been reported. Nausea and vomiting have occurred occasionally. Rarely observed reactions have included: acute myocardial infarction, transient chest pains, arterial spasm (coronary and peripheral), bradycardia, tachycardia, dyspnea, hematuria, thrombophlebitis, water intoxication, hallucinations, leg cramps, dizziness, tinnitus, nasal congestion, diarrhea, diaphoresis, palpitation, rash, and foul taste.

Dosage and Administration

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration.

Intramuscularly

1 mL, 0.2 mg, after delivery of the anterior shoulder, after delivery of the placenta, or during the puerperium. May be repeated as required, at intervals of 2-4 hours.

Intravenously

Dosage same as intramuscular.

How is Ergomed Supplied

Ampuls

200mcg/1mL box of 10’s