ERGONOVINE

Brand & Generic Names

Ergometrine
Ergotrate
Ergotrate Maleate

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Ergot preparation (uterine stimulant)

Uses

Retards excessive post-delivery bleeding.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation.

When to take:
At the same times each day.

If you forget a dose:
Don't take missed dose and don't double next one. Wait for next scheduled dose.

What drug does:
Causes smooth-muscle cells of uterine wall to contract and surround bleeding blood vessels of relaxed uterus.

Time lapse before drug works:
Tablets--20 to 30 minutes.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Vomiting, diarrhea, weak pulse, low blood pressure, difficult breathing, angina.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• If patient is unconscious and not breathing, give mouth-to- mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR). Don't try to make patient vomit. If you can't get help quickly, take patient to nearest emergency facility.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

Nausea, vomiting, severe lower abdominal menstrual-like cramps.

Infrequent:

• Confusion, ringing in ears, diarrhea, muscle cramps.
• Unusual sweating.

Rare:

Sudden, severe headache; shortness of breath; chest pain; numb, cold hands and feet.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to any ergot preparation.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have coronary-artery or blood-vessel disease.
• If you have liver or kidney disease.
• If you have high blood pressure.
• If you have postpartum infection.

Over age 60:
Not recommended.

Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
Not recommended.

Prolonged use:
Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check blood pressure, ECG*.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's instructions.

Others:
Drug should be used for short time only following childbirth or miscarriage.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Beta-adrenergic	Possible vasospasm
blockers*	(peripheral and cardiac).
Ergot preparations,	May cause decreased circulation to
other	arms, legs, feet and hands. Avoid.
Sympathomimetics*	May cause decreased circulation to
	arms, legs, feet and hands. Avoid.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	Decreased ergonovine effect. Don't
	smoke.