Syntometrine

Question 1

Drug code for Syntometrine?

Answer 1

SYN

Question 2

Presentation of Syntometrine?

Answer 2

An ampoule containing ergometrine 500 micrograms and oxytocin 5 units in 1ml

Question 3

Indications for Syntometrine?

Answer 3

Post-partum haemorrhage within 24 hours of delivery of the infant where bleeding from the uterus is uncontrollable by uterine massage
Miscarriage with life-threatening bleeding and a confirmed diagnosis (e.g. where a patient has gone home with medical management and starts to bleed)

Question 4

Actions of Syntometrine?

Answer 4

Stimulates contraction of the uterus

Onset of action 7-10 minutes

Question 5

Contra-indications of Syntometrine?

Answer 5

Known hypersensitivity to syntometrine
Active labour
Severe cardiac, liver or kidney disease
Hypertension and severe pre-eclampsia
Possible multiple pregnancy/known or suspected fetes in utero

Question 6

Side effects of syntometrine?

Answer 6

Nausea and vomiting 
Abdominal pain
Headache
Hypertension and bradycardia
Chest pain and rarely anaphylactic reactions

Question 7

If syntometrine has not been effective in reducing bleeding from a pregnant uterus, what else can be administered?

Answer 7

Misoprostol

After 15 minutes

Question 8

Route of administration of syntometrine?

Answer 8

Intramuscular

Question 9

Initial dose of syntometrine?

Answer 9

500 micrograms of ergometrine and 5 units of oxytocin

Question 10

Can a repeat of syntometrine be given?

Answer 10

No

Question 11

Dose interval of syntometrine?

Answer 11

N/A

Question 12

Volume of syntometrine?

Answer 12

1ml

Question 13

Maximum dose of syntometrine?

Answer 13

500 micrograms of ergometrine and 5 units of oxytocin