Methylergonovine is in a group of drugs called ergot alkaloids. It affects the smooth
muscle of a woman's uterus, improving the muscle tone as well as the strength and timing of
uterine contractions.
Methylergonovine is used just after a baby is born, to help deliver the placenta (also called
the "afterbirth"). It is also used to help control bleeding and other uterine problems after
childbirth.
Methylergonovine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking methylergonovine?
You should not take this medication if you have:
high blood pressure;
toxemia of pregnancy; or
if your baby has not yet been born.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to take
methylergonovine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. It is
to be used only after delivery of your baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during
treatment.
Methylergonovine may pass into breast milk in small amounts and could affect a
nursing baby. In some cases, you will need to use this medication for up to 1 week after your
baby is born. Talk with your doctor about whether you should breast-feed during that time. You
may need to use a breast pump to establish and maintain your milk flow until your
methylergonovine treatment is finished.
How should I take methylergonovine?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
Methylergonovine should not be used for longer than 1 week unless your doctor has told
you otherwise.
Store methylergonovine at room temperature away from light, moisture, and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of methylergonovine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about methylergonovine?
Your pharmacist has information about methylergonovine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of methylergonovine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or
shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling; or
hallucinations.
Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
leg cramps;
dizziness;
ringing in your ears;
stuffy nose; or
unpleasant taste in your mouth.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about methylergonovine?
This medication is to be used only after delivery of your baby.
Methylergonovine may pass into breast milk in small amounts and could affect a
nursing baby. In some cases, you will need to use this medication for up to 1 week after your
baby is born. Talk with your doctor about whether you should breast-feed during that time. You
may need to use a breast pump to establish and maintain your milk flow until your
methylergonovine treatment is finished.
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine. Symptoms of a methylergonovine overdose may include nausea, vomiting, stomach
pain, numbness or tingling, muscle twitching, feeling light-headed, fainting, shallow breathing,
coldness, or seizure (convulsions).
There may be other drugs that can affect methylergonovine. Tell your doctor about all the
prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without
telling your doctor.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with methylergonovine. The interaction
could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your
doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first
talking to your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking methylergonovine?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with methylergonovine. The interaction
could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your
doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first
talking to your doctor.
What other drugs will affect methylergonovine?
Before taking methylergonovine, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following
drugs:
zileuton (Zyflo);
antibiotics such as erythromycin (Ery-Tab, Erythrocin,
E.E.S), clarithromycin (Biaxin), troleandomycin (Tao);
other ergot medicines such as methysergide (Sansert),
ergotamine (Ergostat, Medihaler, Cafergot, Ercaf, Wigraine), or dihydroergotamine mesylate
(D.H.E., Migranal Nasal Spray); or
HIV medicines such as delaviridine (Rescriptor), indinavir
(Crixivan), ritonavir (Norvir), saquinavir (Invirase), or nelfinavir (Viracept).
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use
methylergonovine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect methylergonovine. Tell your doctor
about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins,
minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new
medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of methylergonovine?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009