What is Carboprost?
Carboprost (a prostaglandin-like substance that occurs naturally in the human body) is a type of prostaglandin. Prostaglandins are substances that regulate functions within the body, such as blood pressure or muscle contractions. Carboprost can be used to treat severe postpartum bleeding.
Carboprost can also be used to cause contractions in the uterus, which will result in an abortion. It is typically given between the 13th and the 20th weeks of pregnancy. However, it may be administered at any time for medical reasons. Carboprost may be used when other methods of abortion have not been able to completely empty the uterus or when complications of pregnancy could cause the baby's birth to occur too early for the baby to survive. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of carboprost.
Side effects of Carboprost
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, or throat.
Carboprost can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- If you experience severe pain in the pelvis, cramping, or bleeding, it is important to consult your doctor.
- High fever
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Shortness of breath
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea;
- Increased high blood pressure (severe headache, buzzing in the ears, anxiety),
Some of the common side effects associated with carboprost include:
- Mild nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea;
- Mild fever and chills
- Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly sensation);
- Cough, hiccups;
- Headache
- Mild pelvic pain or cramps of the menstrual type
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; to report, reach out to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
If you are suffering from active pulmonary inflammatory disease or a breathing disorder, as well as heart disease and liver disease, then carboprost is not recommended. This medication is given in a hospital setting or clinic to treat any serious side effects that may occur.
Before you take this drug
If you are allergic or have any of the following:
- Active pelvic inflammation
- A lung disorder or breathing problem;
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that carboprost will be safe for you:
- High or low blood pressure
- Diabetes;
- Epilepsy
- Any scarring on your uterus
- A history of asthma
- A history of kidney, liver, or heart disease
It is unknown if carboprost can pass into breast milk or if it will harm a baby who is nursing. You should tell your doctor if your baby is breastfed.
How to take Carboprost?
Carboprost injections are given into the muscle. This injection will be given in a hospital or clinic setting. While you receive carboprost, you may also be prescribed medication to prevent nausea or vomiting. After the procedure, you will need to check your cervix. Don't miss your scheduled follow-up appointments with your doctor.In some cases, carboprost does not result in a total abortion, and the procedure needs to be repeated.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for abortion:
Initial dose: 250 mcg (one ml) by deep IM infusion, using a tuberculin syringe
The next dose of 250 mcg (one ml) can be given at intervals between 1.5 and 3.5 hours, depending on the uterine response.
Initial, a test dose of 100 mcg (0.45 ml) is an option. If the uterine contraction is not adequate after several doses of 250 mcg (0.4 ml), you can increase the dosage to 500 mcg.
Maximum total dose: 12 m
No more than two consecutive days of treatment
Uses:
Aborting a pregnancy after the 13th week of pregnancy (calculated by the first day of your last menstrual cycle)
Failure of expulsion during treatment with another method
Premature ruptures of membranes with intrauterine methods, loss of drug, and inadequate or absent uterine function
Requirement to repeat the intrauterine injection of the drug for expulsion.
Inadvertent rupture of membranes or spontaneous rupture in the presence of an unborn foetus and lack of activity to expel it
Adult dose for postpartum bleeding:
Initial dose: 250 mcg (1 ml) once by deep IM injection
If necessary, additional doses can also be given at intervals between 15 and 90 minutes.
Maximum total dose: 2 mg (8 doses)
Comment: The attending physician should determine the need for additional injections and the interval between administrations based on the clinical course.
Uses: Refractory haemorrhage after delivery due to uterine atoney, which has not responded to standard management methods.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You are unlikely to miss a dosage because you will be receiving carboprost in a clinical environment.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because this medication is administered by a health professional in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, may interact with carboprost. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take.
