Methylergonovine is a semi-synthetic ergot alkaloid. It is used primarily to treat and prevent bleeding after childbirth (postpartum hemorrhage) due to its ability to stimulate the smooth muscles of the uterus, leading to increased tone and contractions. This helps to reduce bleeding after the placenta has been delivered.
Methylergonovine (Methylergometrine) is available as oral, IM, and IV formulation. It causes the contraction of uterine smooth muscles and is used during the third stage of labor to control uterine bleeding.
Methylergonovine Uses:
- After the placenta has been delivered, it is utilized to treat uterine atony, hemorrhage, and subinvolution of the uterus.
- After the anterior shoulder has been delivered during the second stage of labor, it may be utilized to reduce uterine haemorrhage.
Methylergonovine Dose in Adults
Methylergonovine (Methylergometrine) Dose in the Prevention of hemorrhage:
Taking by Mouth (Oral):
- Take a 0.2 mg pill 3 to 4 times a day after giving birth.
- Only take it for up to 7 days.
Injection (IM, IV):
- Get a 0.2 mg shot after the baby's head and shoulders are out, after the placenta is delivered, or after birth.
- If needed, you can get another shot every 2 to 4 hours.
- A direct injection into a vein (IV) should only be used in really serious situations.
Use in Children:
Not indicated.
Pregnancy Risk Factor X
- Methylergonovine is a medicine given after the baby's shoulders come out, after the placenta is delivered, or just after birth.
- It shouldn't be used during pregnancy.
- It's used when an extra medicine to help the uterus tighten is needed, but it's not the first choice because it can have side effects for the mother.
Methylergonovine use during breastfeeding:
- Methylergonovine can be found in breast milk, and when we calculate how much of it gets into a baby's body through breastfeeding, it's about 3.9% of what the mother takes as a dose.
- In general, it's considered safe for breastfeeding when this amount is less than 10%.
- The amount of methylergonovine in breast milk was measured at 1.3 ng/mL after mothers took 0.125 mg three times a day for five days.
- This resulted in an estimated daily dose for a baby through breast milk of 195 ng/kg/day.
- However, some babies may experience side effects like fussiness, diarrhea, high or low blood pressure, seizures, fast or slow heartbeat, or vomiting.
- Methylergonovine might also affect a mother's milk production.
- Some manufacturers recommend not breastfeeding during treatment or for 12 hours after the last dose because of these possible side effects, but other sources say it might still be okay to breastfeed while taking it.
Dose in Kidney Disease:
- The manufacturer doesn't give any special dose recommendations for people with kidney problems.
- So, if someone has issues with their kidneys, they should be extra careful when using this medicine.
Dose in Liver disease:
- The manufacturer doesn't provide specific dosing instructions for people with liver issues.
Side effects of Methylergonovine (Methylergometrine):
- Cardiovascular:
- Cerebrovascular Accident
- Chest Pain
- Hypotension
- Local Thrombophlebitis
- Coronary Artery Vasospasm
- Paresthesia
- Tachycardia
- Hypertension
- Angina Pectoris
- Atrioventricular Block
- Bradycardia
- Ventricular Fibrillation
- Myocardial Infarction
- Palpitations
- Vasospasm
- Central Nervous System:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Hallucination
- Seizure
- Endocrine & Metabolic:
- Water Intoxication
- Dermatologic:
- Diaphoresis
- Skin Rash
- Gastrointestinal:
- Abdominal Pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Unpleasant Taste
- Vomiting
- Genitourinary:
- Hematuria
- Neuromuscular & Skeletal:
- Leg Cramps
- Otic:
- Tinnitus
- Hypersensitivity:
- Anaphylaxis
- Respiratory:
- Dyspnea
- Nasal Congestion
Contraindication to Methylergonovine Include:
People shouldn't take methylergonovine if:
- They're allergic to it or any of its ingredients.
- They have high blood pressure.
- They have preeclampsia (a condition in pregnancy involving high blood pressure).
- They are currently pregnant.
Warnings and precautions
Coronary artery disease
- People with heart artery disease or those at risk for it might have a higher chance of heart problems like blocked or narrowed arteries after taking methylergonovine.
- This is because methylergonovine can cause blood vessels to tighten.
Ergotism:
- Taking medicines from the "ergot" family, like methylergonovine, can cause a condition called "ergotism." This means the blood vessels tighten too much, which can reduce blood flow and potentially harm body parts, even leading to tissue death.
- This usually happens if someone takes too much of the medicine or uses it for a long time.
- It's essential to follow the recommended dose and not use it for extended periods to avoid this.
Retroperitoneal and pleural fibrosis
- There have been a few cases where people who took medicines similar to methylergonovine for a long time every day developed tissue scarring in the lining of the lungs and the area behind the stomach and intestines.
- It's a rare but serious side effect.
Hepatic impairment
- If someone has liver problems, they should be extra careful when using this medicine.
Labor
- Be careful using this medicine during the second part of giving birth.
Renal impairment
- If someone has kidney problems, they should be extra careful when using this medicine.
Sepsis:
- If someone has a severe infection (sepsis), they should be careful when using this medicine and should talk to a doctor before taking it.
Vascular disease
- If someone has a disease that's blocking or narrowing their blood vessels, they should be careful when using this medicine.
Methylergonovine (Methylergometrine): Drug Interaction
Aprepitant |
May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). |
Chloroprocaine |
|
Clofazimine |
May increase CYP3A4 substrates' serum concentration (High risk with Inhibitors). |
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) |
May slow down CYP3A4 substrate metabolism (High risk with Inhibitors). |
Duvelisib |
May increase CYP3A4 substrates' serum concentration (High risk with Inhibitors). |
Erdafitinib |
May raise the serum level of CYP3A4 substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). |
Fosaprepitant |
CYP3A4 Substrates' serum levels may rise (High risk with Inhibitors). |
Fosnetupitant |
May raise serum levels of CYP3A4 substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). |
Larotrectinib |
May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). |
Netupitant |
May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). |
Palbociclib |
May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). |
Reboxetine |
May enhance the hypertensive effect of Ergot Derivatives. |
Serotonergic Agents (High Risk) |
Serotonergic agents' serotonergic effects may be enhanced by ergot derivatives (High Risk). Serotonin syndrome could occur from this. When these medications are used together, it is important to watch out for any signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome or serotonin poisonings, such as hyperreflexia, clonus, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, tremor, autonomic instability, and changes in mental state. Nefazodone is an exception. |
Simeprevir |
May increase CYP3A4 substrates' serum concentration (High risk with Inhibitors). |
Risk Factor D (Consider therapy modification) |
|
Beta-Blockers |
Ergot derivatives ability to constrict blood vessels could be improved. |
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Strong) |
May slow down CYP3A4 substrate metabolism (High risk with Inhibitors). Risk |
Macrolide Antibiotics |
Ergot derivatives' serum levels can rise. Clarithromycin and cabergoline may interact; detailed information is available in the relevant monograph. Exceptions: Fidaxomicin, Spiramycin, and systemic azithromycin. |
MiFEPRIStone |
May increase CYP3A4 substrates' serum concentration (High risk with Inhibitors). Management: During and two weeks after mifepristone treatment, reduce dosages of CYP3A4 substrates and keep an eye out for elevated amounts of toxicity. Fentanyl, pimozide, quinidine, sirolimus, and tacrolimus should all be avoided. Cyclosporine should also be avoided. |
Stiripentol |
May increase CYP3A4 substrates' serum concentration (High risk with Inhibitors). Management: Due to the increased potential for side effects and toxicity, stiripentol should not be used with CYP3A4 substrates that are thought to have a narrow therapeutic index. The use of stiripentol with any CYP3A4 substrate necessitates cautious observation. |
Risk Factor X (Avoid combination) |
|
Alpha-/Beta-Agonists |
Alpha-/BetaAgonists' hypertensive effects may be enhanced by ergot derivatives. Alpha-/Beta-Agonists' vasoconstrictive effects may be strengthened by ergot derivatives. |
Alpha1-Agonists |
Alpha1-Agonists' ability to cause hypertension may be increased by ergot derivatives. Alpha1-Agonists may have a greater vasoconstrictive impact when combined with ergot derivatives. |
Antihepaciviral Combination Products |
Ergot derivatives' serum levels can rise. |
Cobicistat |
Methylergonovine serum levels could rise. |
Conivaptan |
May increase CYP3A4 substrates' serum concentration (High risk with Inhibitors). |
Fusidic Acid (Systemic) |
May raise the serum level of CYP3A4 substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). |
Idelalisib |
CYP3A4 Substrates' serum levels may rise (High risk with Inhibitors). |
Itraconazole |
May raise the level of methylergonovine in the blood. |
Ketoconazole (Systemic) |
The serum level of methylergonovine could rise. |
Letermovir |
Might raise the serum level of ergot derivatives. |
Lorcaserin |
Ergot derivatives' harmful or poisonous effects might be increased. More specifically, taking these medications concurrently may make you more likely to develop valvular heart disease. The serotonergic action of ergot derivatives may be enhanced by lorcaserin. Serotonin syndrome could occur from this. |
Nefazodone |
The serotonergic activity of nefazodone may be strengthened by ergot derivatives. Serotonin syndrome could occur from this. The serum levels of ergot derivatives may rise after using nefazodone. |
Nitroglycerin |
Nitroglycerin's ability to dilate blood vessels may be lessened by ergot derivatives. For patients receiving angina treatment, this is very concerning. The concentration of ergot derivatives in the serum may rise while using nitroglycerin. |
Posaconazole |
May raise the level of methylergonovine in the blood. |
Protease Inhibitors |
Might make ergot derivatives more concentrated in the blood. |
Roxithromycin |
May raise the serum level of ergot derivatives. |
Serotonin 5-HT1D Receptor Agonists (Triptans) |
The vasoconstrictive effects of serotonin 5-HT1D receptor antagonists may be enhanced by ergot derivatives (Triptans). Ergot derivatives' ability to constrict blood vessels may be enhanced by serotonin 5-HT1D receptor antagonists (triptans). |
Voriconazole |
May raise the level of methylergonovine in the blood. |
Monitoring parameters:
- Blood Presssure
- ECG
How to administer Methylergonovine (Methylergometrine)?
IV (into the vein):
- Give it slowly, over at least 1 minute.
- Watch the blood pressure closely when giving it.
- Don't use this method often because it can cause very high blood pressure and possibly a stroke.
- Use this way only in very serious situations.
IM (into the muscle):
- It's okay to give it as a shot into the muscle.
By Mouth:
- There are pills available to take by mouth.
Mechanism of action of Methylergonovine (Methylergometrine):
- It makes the muscles of the womb work harder and more efficiently.
- This helps to finish the last part of giving birth faster and reduces bleeding.
How fast it works:
- When taken by mouth, it starts working in 5-10 minutes, by injection into a muscle in 2-5 minutes, and immediately when injected directly into a vein.
How long it lasts:
- When taken by mouth or injected into a muscle, its effects last for about 3 hours, while when injected into a vein, it lasts for 45 minutes.
How it gets into the body:
- It's absorbed quickly.
How it spreads in the body:
- It's distributed in a range of 39-73 liters in the body.
How the body breaks it down:
- The liver processes it.
How much of it gets into the bloodstream:
- When taken by mouth, about 60% of it gets into the bloodstream, and when injected into a muscle, about 78% gets in.
How long it takes to leave the body:
- It takes about 3 hours, but this can vary.
When it's at its highest level in the blood:
- When taken by mouth, it peaks in the blood in 0.3-2 hours, and when injected into a muscle, it peaks in 0.2-0.6 hours.
How it's removed from the body:
- It's eliminated through urine and feces.
International Brand Names of Methylergonovine:
- Methergine
- Basofortina
- Bledstop
- Demergin
- Ergogin
- Ergojen
- Ergomet
- Ergomin
- ERruvin
- Expogin
- Femitranol
- Ingagen-M
- Mem
- Mergot
- Mergotrex
- Methergin
- Methergine
- Metiagin
- Metvell
- Mitrotan
- Morgin
- Myotonic
- Neo-Ergo
- Pospargin
- Uterine
Methylergonovine Brand Names in Pakistan:
- Methergine