Ergometrine 500micrograms/1ml solution for injection ampoules
Requires a prescription from a doctor or prescriber
An ergot alkaloid with uterine and vascular smooth muscle contractile properties.
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Data from the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. A reported reaction does not necessarily mean the medicine caused it. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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Suspected adverse reactions reported for Ergometrine
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Ergometrine 500micrograms/1ml solution for injection ampoules
WHO defined daily dose (DDD)
200 microgram
Not a recommended dose. The DDD is the assumed average maintenance dose per day for a drug used for its main indication in adults. It is a statistical measure used for research and comparison purposes only.
Source: WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, distributed via the NHS dm+d supplementary mapping files (NHSBSA). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Therapeutically similar medicines
Similarity is based on WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification and on a factual NHS dm+d therapeutic-grouping code prefix. Source data: NHS dm+d via TRUD (OGL v3.0), WHO ATC/DDD Index.
NHS prescribing volume and spending trends
Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
NICE clinical guidance(2)
Intrapartum care (NG235)
Intrapartum care for women with existing medical conditions or obstetric complications and their babies (NG121)
Source: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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Pharmacy links redirect to the retailer's own search and do not represent real-time stock levels. Shortage and safety information sourced from MHRA drug safety updates (gov.uk, Crown Copyright under OGL v3.0).
Codes for healthcare professionals and prescribing systems
These codes are used by healthcare IT systems and prescribers to identify this medicine.
NHS UK identifiers
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SNOMED CT and dm+d codes from NHS TRUD (Technology Reference data Update Distribution), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. ATC codes from the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology (whocc.no).
Active and completed clinical studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Data accessed via ClinicalTrials.gov API v2. Trial information is provided for research purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Academic studies and reviews for this medicine's active substance
Showing the 50 most relevant studies.
Reviews & meta-analyses: 12 · Randomised trials: 12 · 1973–2026
Showing the 50 most relevant studies, sorted by most relevant.
Kallianidis AF, Rijntjes D, Brobbel C, et al.
2023
- Uterine Rupture
- Postpartum Hemorrhage
- Placenta
ObjectiveTo describe the incidence, indications, risk factors, outcomes, and management of emergency peripartum hysterectomy globally and to compare outcomes among different income settings.Data sourcesPubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Emcare databases up to December 10, 2021.Methods of study selectionUpdate of a systematic review and meta-analysis (2016). Studies were eligible if they reported the incidence of emergency peripartum hysterectomy, defined as surgical removal of the uterus for severe obstetric complications up to 6 weeks postpartum. Title and abstract screening and full-text review were performed using Endnote data-management software. Of 8,775 articles screened, 26 were included that were published after 2015, making the total number of included studies 154. A subanalysis was performed for the outcomes of interest per income setting.Tabulation, integration, and resultsThe meta-analysis included 154 studies: 14,409 emergency peripartum hysterectomies were performed in 17,127,499 births in 42 countries. Overall pooled incidence of hysterectomy was 1.1 per 1,000 births (95% CI 1.0-1.3). The highest incidence was observed in lower middle-income settings (3/1,000 births, 95% CI 2.5-3.5), and the lowest incidence was observed in high-income settings (0.7/1,000 births, 95% CI 0.5-0.8). The most common indications were placental pathology (38.0%, 95% CI 33.9-42.4), uterine atony (27.0%, 95% CI 24.6-29.5), and uterine rupture (21.2%, 95% CI 17.8-25.0). In lower middle-income countries, uterine rupture (44.5%, 95% CI 36.6-52.7) was the most common indication; placental pathology (48.4%, 95% CI 43.5-53.4) was most frequent in high-income settings. To prevent hysterectomy, uterotonic medication was used in 2,706 women (17%): 53.2% received oxytocin, 44.6% prostaglandins, and 17.3% ergometrine. Surgical measures to prevent hysterectomy were taken in 80.5% of women, the most common being compressive techniques performed in 62.6% (95% CI 38.3-81.9). The most common complications were febrile (29.7%, 95% CI 25.4-34.3) and hematologic (27.5%, 95% CI 20.4-35.9). The overall maternal case fatality rate was 3.2 per 100 emergency peripartum hysterectomies (95% CI 2.5-4.2) and was higher in lower middle-income settings (11.2/100 emergency peripartum hysterectomies 95% CI 8.9-14.1) and lower in high-income settings (1.0/100 emergency peripartum hysterectomies 95% CI 0.6-1.6).ConclusionSubstantial differences across income settings exist in the incidence of emergency peripartum hysterectomy. Women in lower-income settings have a higher risk of undergoing emergency peripartum hysterectomy and suffer more procedure-related morbidity and mortality. The frequency of emergency peripartum hysterectomy is likely to increase in light of increasing cesarean delivery rates.
Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND
Papadopoulou A, Tournas G, Georgiopoulos G, et al.
2024
- Postpartum Hemorrhage
- Oxytocics
- Ergonovine
1.ObjectiveTo perform a network meta-analysis to specify the route of administration that maximises the effectiveness of each of the available prophylactic uterotonics without increasing the risk for side effects. 2.Data sourcesLiterature searches on 12th September 2022 included: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. The reference lists of the retrieved study records were also searched. 3.Study eligibility criteriaPopulation: Randomized controlled trials involving women in the third stage of labour after a vaginal or caesarean delivery in hospital or community settings.InterventionsSystemically administered prophylactic uterotonics of any route and dose for primary postpartum hemorrhage prevention. Comparison: Any other prophylactic uterotonic, or a different route or dose of a given uterotonic, or placebo, or no treatment. Outcomes (primary): postpartum hemorrhage ≥ 500 mL and ≥ 1000 mL. 4.Study appraisal and synthesis methodsRisk of bias and trustworthiness assessments were performed, according to Cochrane's guidance. Direct, indirect and network meta-analyses were conducted, and results were summarized either as risk ratio or mean difference with 95% confidence intervals for dichotomous and continuous outcomes, respectively. The certainty of generated evidence was assessed according to the GRADE approach. Cumulative probabilities were calculated and the surface under the cumulative ranking curve was used to create a ranking of the available drugs. 5.ResultsOne hundred eighty-one studies involving 122,867 randomised women were included. Most studies were conducted in hospital settings in lower-middle income countries and involved women delivering vaginally. When compared with intramuscular oxytocin, carbetocin (RR 0.58, 95 % CI 0.40-0.84) and oxytocin (RR 0.75, 95 % CI 0.59-0.97) by an intravenous bolus, and intramuscular ergometrine plus oxytocin combination (RR 0.71, 95 % CI 0.56-0.91) are probably more effective in preventing primary postpartum hemorrhage. Intramuscularly administered oxytocin and carbetocin by an intravenous bolus have a favourable side effects profile. 6.ConclusionsGenerated evidence was generally moderate and global inconsistency was low. Carbetocin and oxytocin by an intravenous bolus, and intramuscular ergometrine plus oxytocin combination are probably the top uterotonics for primary postpartum hemorrhage prevention. Large scale studies exploring different routes of administration for available prophylactic uterotonics, and women's views should be conducted.
Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-SA
Gallos ID, Sindhu KN, Yunas I, et al.
2026
- Postpartum Hemorrhage
- Anemia
- Oxytocin
Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal death. Preventing PPH can spare women from experiencing the trauma and risks of PPH, reduce the strain on overstretched health systems, and probably produce better outcomes than a strategy solely focused on PPH treatment. Prevention of PPH is often interpreted as provision of uterotonic drugs to contract the uterus at the time of childbirth. Although uterotonics are a central strategy for PPH prevention, several other approaches can prevent PPH or ameliorate its severity. These approaches include addressing the unmet need for contraception, remedying anaemia and other modifiable risk factors for PPH, optimising medical conditions that predispose to PPH, and tackling the rise in caesarean births in many countries. Effective delivery of preventive care requires early and regular antenatal care and planned birth at appropriately resourced health facilities. Social and behavioural change interventions for improving contraceptive provision and uptake, targeting adolescents, postpartum women, geographically remote communities, and families on low income, are a priority. Effective interventions to tackle anaemia include the management of heavy menstrual bleeding, pre-pregnancy or antenatal haemoglobin testing and oral or intravenous iron treatment, dietary improvements, and-on rare occasions-blood transfusion. Risk factors for PPH that need attention include high BMI, multiple pregnancy, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, macrosomia, and several medical conditions. Caesarean births are associated with a substantial increase in PPH risk and should therefore only be done when medically indicated. A Cochrane network meta-analysis of 122 trials, with 121 931 women, found that the combinations of oxytocin plus misoprostol, or oxytocin plus ergometrine, were the most effective prophylaxis for PPH when given at the time of childbirth; however, these combinations had a higher risk of side-effects compared with single-drug prophylaxis. Oxytocin and carbetocin were the most effective single drugs for PPH prophylaxis, with minimal side-effects. Single uterotonic prophylaxis with either oxytocin or carbetocin is, therefore, recommended for routine prophylaxis. However, if oxytocin or carbetocin is not accessible, misoprostol is an alternative. Combination prophylaxis with oxytocin plus misoprostol can be considered for women at high risk of PPH. Ergometrine alone and oxytocin plus ergometrine combination are no longer recommended due to hypertension-related safety concerns. A robust implementation approach that engages various stakeholders to promote change, ensures the supply of quality-assured medicines and devices, provides training and support, and secures ongoing political and financial commitment is necessary to translate evidence into global impact.
Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND
S. McDonald, J. Abbott, S. Higgins
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2004
S. McDonald, W. Prendiville, E. Blair
British Medical Journal, 1993
Elsayed Ibrahim, Mohammad Hassan, Abdul-Rhman Abdeltwab
Al-Azhar International Medical Journal, 2026
H. van der Nelson, Stephen O’Brien, E. Lenguerrand, et al.
Trials, 2019
Sandy Koen, L. Snyman, R. Pattinson, et al.
South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde, 2016
A. A. Rahim, Mohamed Ounsa, Rayan G Albarakati, et al.
International journal of reproduction, contraception, obstetrics and gynecology, 2018
Thitipun Nuamsiri, Kasemsis Kaewkiattikun
Thai Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 2016
Sources: aggregated from Europe PMC (EMBL-EBI), OpenAlex, Crossref, PubMed and other open scholarly databases. Retracted articles are excluded. Study information is provided for research purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Pharmacology and chemical data from DrugBank
Key facts
Drug status
Approved
Major interactions
30 found
Half-life
10 minutes
Mechanism
Ergonovine directly stimulates the uterine muscle to increase force and frequency of contractions.
Food interactions
None known
Human targets
2 targets
Data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
Pharmacokinetics at a glance
Absorption
Half-life
10 minutes
Metabolism
Elimination
Pharmacokinetic data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
Known interactions with other medicines. Always consult a healthcare professional.
Showing 50 of 1299 interactions
How the body processes this drug — absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination
Proteins and enzymes this drug interacts with in the body
PMID:21645528
Positively regulates postnatal regression of retinal hyaloid vessels via suppression of VEGFR2/KDR activity, downstream of OPN5 (By similarity)
Enzymes involved in drug metabolism — important for understanding drug interactions
Proteins that transport this drug across cell membranes
PMID:2897240 PMID:35970996 PMID:8898203 PMID:9038218 PMID:35507548
Catalyzes the flop of phospholipids from the cytoplasmic to the exoplasmic leaflet of the apical membrane. Participates mainly to the flop of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, beta-D-glucosylceramides and sphingomyelins .
PMID:8898203
Energy-dependent efflux pump responsible for decreased drug accumulation in multidrug-resistant cells PMID:2897240 PMID:35970996 PMID:9038218
ATC G02AB03
Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
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Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
Linked compound data from DrugBank Open Data (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Ergometrine
Additional database identifiers
Drugs Product Database (DPD)
9366
ChemSpider
391970
BindingDB
50390991
ZINC
ZINC000053174604
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:277
GenAtlas
ADRA1A
GeneCards
ADRA1A
GenBank Gene Database
D25235
GenBank Protein Database
433201
Guide to Pharmacology
22
UniProt Accession
ADA1A_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:3023
GenAtlas
DRD2
GeneCards
DRD2
GenBank Gene Database
M30625
GenBank Protein Database
181432
Guide to Pharmacology
215
UniProt Accession
DRD2_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:2637
GenAtlas
CYP3A4
GeneCards
CYP3A4
GenBank Gene Database
M18907
Guide to Pharmacology
1337
UniProt Accession
CP3A4_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:40
GenAtlas
ABCB1
GeneCards
ABCB1
GenBank Gene Database
M14758
GenBank Protein Database
307180
Guide to Pharmacology
768
UniProt Accession
MDR1_HUMAN
DrugBank citations
If you use DrugBank data in your research, please cite:
- DrugBank 6.02024Recommended citationKnox C., Wilson M., Klinger C.M., et alDrugBank 6.0: the DrugBank Knowledgebase for 2024Nucleic Acids Res. 2024 Jan 552(D1):D1265-D1275
- DrugBank 5.02018Wishart D.S., Feunang Y.D., Guo A.C., et alDrugBank 5.0: a major update to the DrugBank database for 2018Nucleic Acids Res. 2017 Nov 846(D1):D1074-D1082
- DrugBank 4.02014Law V., Knox C., Djoumbou Y., et alDrugBank 4.0: shedding new light on drug metabolismNucleic Acids Res. 2014 Jan 142(1):D1091-7
- DrugBank 3.02011Knox C., Law V., Jewison T., et alDrugBank 3.0: a comprehensive resource for 'omics' research on drugsNucleic Acids Res. 2011 Jan39(Database issue):D1035-41
- DrugBank 2.02008Wishart D.S., Knox C., Guo A.C., et alDrugBank: a knowledgebase for drugs, drug actions and drug targets.Nucleic Acids Research2008 Jan36(Database issue):D901-6
- DrugBank 1.02006Wishart D.S., Knox C., Guo A.C., et alDrugBank: a comprehensive resource for in silico drug discovery and exploration.Nucleic Acids Research2006 Jan 134(Database issue):D668-72