What is Methergine?
The methergine can be used to deliver the placenta, also known as the "afterbirth," just after the baby has been born. Methergine is used after birth to control bleeding and improve the muscle tone of the uterus. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of methergine.
Side effects of Methergine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing or swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue.
Methergine can cause severe side effects. If you experience:
- Increased blood pressure: (severe migraine; blurred vision or a pounding sensation in the neck, ears, or head);
- Chest pain can be caused by sweating, heartbeat pounding, or even fluttering.
- A seizure;
- If you feel numbness or tingling in your fingertips or toes, this is a sign of a cold or numb feeling.
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Pain or swelling on the side of one leg, or sudden weakness or numbness
Methergine can cause a number of side effects.
- Increased blood pressure: severe headaches, blurred or distorted vision, and pounding of the neck, ears, or neck;
- A seizure;
There may be other side effects. For medical advice regarding side effects, contact your physician. Report any potential issues by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Do not take methergine while pregnant. Use this medication only after the delivery of your baby. You should not use Methergine within 12 hours of using it. Throw away any collected milk if you are using a pump. Don't feed your baby.
Before you take this drug
Methergine should be avoided if:
- High blood pressure
- Toxemia in pregnancy
- If your baby is not yet born,
If you've ever:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Risk factors for coronary artery disease include diabetes, menopause, and smoking. Other risk factors are being overweight, having high blood pressure, or having high cholesterol.
Methergine should only be used after the birth of your child. You should not use Methergine within 12 hours of using it. Throw away any collected milk if you are using a pump. Don't feed your baby.
How to take Methergine?
The methergine is injected into the muscle through an IV or directly into the vein. This injection will be given to you in the birthing room, and possibly for some time afterwards if necessary. The Methergine Oral Tablet is taken orally 3 to 4 times a day for the first week following your baby's birth. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended on the label. Take this medication only as prescribed. Avoid exceeding or taking more than the prescribed dosage. If your doctor does not tell you differently, methergine shouldn't be taken for more than a week. Keep away from heat, moisture, and light.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip any missed one and do not take more than one at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms include nausea, stomach pain, throbbing headaches, numbness in the fingers and toes, a cold sensation, shallow or weak breathing, convulsions (convulsions), or seizures.
What should be avoided?
Grapefruit can interact with methergine, causing side effects. Avoid consuming grapefruit products.
Interaction with other drug
At times, taking multiple medications simultaneously may not be safe. Certain medicines can increase your blood levels of another drug and lead to side effects or decreased effectiveness - potentially increasing risks and decreasing effectiveness. Inform your physician of all the medications you are currently taking.
Methergine can be affected by many drugs, including:
- Anesthetics—halothane and methoxyflurane;
- A beta-blocker, such as atenolol (carvedilol), labetalol (labetalol), metoprolol (nadolol), nebivolol (nebivolol), propranolol, or sotalol.
The list of drugs that may interact with methergine is not exhaustive. These include prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines. This list does not include all interactions with drugs.
