Methylergonovine (Methergine)

Anesthesia Implications

Classification: Ergot Alkaloid, Uterotonic
Therapeutic Effects: Arteriolar vasoconstriction

Duration: Half-life: 2 hours

Contraindications

Preeclampsia, Hypertension, seizures, CVA, retinal detachment, and cardiac arrest

Primary Considerations

Only given IM.

Used to treat uterine atony after delivery of the baby and placenta. The primary use is to slow postpartum bleeding/hemorrhage. Methergine is typically used if Oxytocin was unsuccessful at slowing blood loss.

May cause hypertension – this is why it is contraindicated in hypertensive/preeclamptic patients. Side effects also include severe nausea and vomiting.

IV push dose

NOT given IV – this would potentially cause severe hypertension, vasoconstriction, and cerebral hemorrhage

IM dose

0.2 mg; Due to its long duration of action, a repeat dose may be given after 1 hour.