Methergine (Methylergonovine)

Question 1

What is the OB use for Methergine?

Answer 1

Methergine is used for the TX of Uterine Atony and PPH

Question 2

Methergine is used for the TX of Uterine Atony. What is Uterine Atony?

Answer 2

Uterine Atony is when the Uterus muscles don’t contract enough to clamp the placental blood vessels shut. This can cause a woman to bleed out

Question 3

What is the route used to give Methergine?

Answer 3

IM injection

Question 4

What is the dosage frequency for the administration of Methergine?

Answer 4

IM q2-4hr for up to 5 doses.

Question 5

What are some adverse effects of Methergine?

Answer 5

-HTN
-Hypotension
-N/V
-Headache
-Dizziness
-Tinnitus

Question 6

What are some conditions in which Methergine would be contraindicated?

Answer 6

-HTN
-Pregnancy Induced HTN
-Pre-eclampsia
-CVD
-Patients who are lactating

Question 7

Why is Methergine contraindicated in patients with HTN, CVD, or Pre-eclampsia?

Answer 7

Since Methergine is used to stimulate uterine contractions to fight atony, it causes significant Vasoconstriction.

This can exacerbate existing arterial issues, further raising blood supply.

Question 8

Knowing the effects of Methergine, what is something you would check in a patient before giving them Methergine?

Answer 8

Check their Blood Pressure

You can give Methergine to a patient if their blood pressure is:
>140/90

Question 9

What are two things you should monitor for (excluding blood pressure) in a patient after giving them Methergine?

Answer 9

Monitor for patients vaginal bleeding and her uterine tone.