Ergometrine 0.5 mg Injection Injection (Ergometrine maleate) — Uses, Dosage & NAFDAC

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Ergometrine maleate is a medicine that causes the muscles of the womb (uterus) to contract strongly. It works by tightening the blood vessels and womb muscles to help stop heavy bleeding after childbirth or miscarriage.

What is it used for?

Heavy bleeding after childbirth (postpartum haemorrhage)heavy bleeding after miscarriagehelping the womb contract after delivery of the baby and placenta

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Pregnancy & Labour Headache & Migraine

How it works

Activates α-adrenergic and serotonergic receptors on uterine smooth muscle, inducing sustained tetanic contractions that compress uterine blood vessels and arrest postpartum haemorrhage.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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How to take this drug

This is not a medicine you take at home by yourself. It is given as an injection by a doctor, nurse, or midwife — usually 0.2 mg to 0.5 mg injected into a muscle or slowly into a vein during or after delivery. It may be repeated after 2 to 4 hours if the bleeding continues, but only under medical supervision.

What if I Miss a Dose?

Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting, missed doses are not really applicable. Your doctor or midwife will decide when and how often to give it.

What to watch out for

This injection should only be given by trained health workers in a hospital, clinic, or maternity centre — never buy it to use at home without medical supervision. Beware of counterfeit products; only get medicines from licensed pharmacies or hospitals. If you experience sudden severe headache, blurred vision, or chest pain after receiving this injection, alert your nurse or doctor immediately.

Common Side Effects

Nausea and vomiting
headache
stomach cramps or abdominal pain
dizziness
temporary rise in blood pressure

Serious Side Effects

Sudden severe headache with very high blood pressure — go to the hospital immediately. Chest pain
difficulty breathing
or seizures (fits) — these need emergency medical attention. Numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes that does not go away.

Drug Interactions

Avoid using with other drugs that raise blood pressure, such as certain migraine medicines (like sumatriptan) — the combination can cause dangerously high blood pressure. Anaesthetic drugs used during surgery may interact with ergometrine, so always tell your doctor what medicines you have been given. Dopamine and other medicines used in emergencies may also interact.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

This medicine must NOT be used during pregnancy before delivery as it can cause dangerous contractions and harm the baby — it is only used after the baby is born or after a miscarriage, and breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor as small amounts may pass into breast milk.

Who Should NOT Take This

Women who are still pregnant and have not yet delivered
women with high blood pressure (hypertension) or pre-eclampsia/eclampsia
people with heart disease or blood vessel problems
people with severe liver or kidney disease
people with sepsis (serious infection)
and anyone allergic to ergometrine or similar medicines.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so refrigeration (2°C to 8°C) is recommended. Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if the solution looks discoloured or cloudy.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.

Ergometrine 0.5 mg Injection