Ergometrine
Second-line for uterine atony: 0.2–0.5 mg IM. Avoid in high BP, pre-eclampsia and heart disease.
On this page
Dose
Contraindications
High BP, pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, heart disease, severe liver or kidney disease.
Side effects
Nausea, vomiting, high BP, headache, coronary spasm.
Frequently asked questions
Why is ergometrine avoided in pre-eclampsia?
It raises blood pressure sharply and can cause strokes or fits.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.
For FCPS Part 1
Revising for FCPS Part 1? Ergometrine is covered in our textbook chapter Oxytocics and prostaglandins, with practice MCQs.