What it means
A uterotonic drug used to treat or prevent heavy bleeding after delivery (postpartumpohst-PAR-tumThe time after giving birth, usually the first six weeks, while the body returns to its non-pregnant state.post- afterpart/o birth, laborFull entry hemorrhage) when the uterus is not contracting well. It is given IM or by mouth, and IV only in an emergency, slowly. It also narrows blood vessels, so it can raise the blood pressure sharply.
For the nurse
Check the blood pressure before giving it; it is not given to clients with high blood pressure or preeclampsia. Check uterine tone, bleeding and blood pressure afterward, and report headache or chest pain.
At a glance
| Drug class | ergot alkaloid (uterotonic) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Methergine |
| Also written | Methergine |
Related terms
hemorrhage
A large loss of blood from a blood vessel, inside the body or out of it.
postpartum
The time after giving birth, usually the first six weeks, while the body returns to its non-pregnant state.
uterine contraction
A tightening and then relaxing of the muscle of the uterus (womb), as happens during labor.
carboprost
A prostaglandin drug injected into muscle to make the uterus contract strongly.