Brand names: Methergine®
Chemical formula:
- Drug Forms:
- Methylergonovine injection (below)
- Methylergonovine Maleate Oral tablet
- Methylergonovine Maleate Solution for injection
- Español:
- Inyección de metilergonovina
- Maleato de Metilergonovina, Tableta oral
- Maleato de metilergonovina, Solución para inyección
Methylergonovine injection
What is methylergonovine injection?
METHYLERGONOVINE (Methergine®) belongs to a group of medicines known as ergot alkaloids. Methylergonovine is often used to stop excessive bleeding in females that occurs after childbirth or following an abortion or miscarriage. Generic methylergonovine injection is not available.What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:• blood clots
• chest pain
• history of heart attacks
• heart or blood vessel disease
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• infection
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung disease
• poor circulation
• stroke
• tobacco smoker
• an unusual or allergic reaction to methylergonovine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding (this medicine may be used with care for up to 7 days without interfering with breast-feeding)
How should I take this medicine?
You will receive methylergonovine injections by a health care provider. This medicine is given by injection into a muscle or vein. Your condition will be closely monitored.Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply. A healthcare professional will give you this injection when you need it.What drug(s) may interact with methylergonovine?
Do not use any of the following migraine drugs within 24 hours of this medicine: almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, or zolmitriptan. Also, do not use this drug with caffeine-ergotamine (example: Cafergot® or Wigraine®); dihydroergotamine (DHE® or Migranal®); ergonovine; ergotamine (example: Ergomar®) or methysergide (Sansert®).Methylergonovine may also interact with:
• aprepitant
• bromocriptine
• cabergoline
• clarithromycin
• cocaine
• danazol
• ergoloid mesylates (Hydergine®)
• erythromycin
• fluoxetine
• fluvoxamine
• herbal products like feverfew
• imatinib, STI-571
• medicines for colds, flu, or breathing difficulties
• medicines for fungal infections (examples: fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
• medicines or herbal products to decrease weight or appetite
• metronidazole
• nefazodone
• nicotine
• some medicines for high blood pressure or chest pain
• some medications for the treatment of HIV infection or AIDS
• troleandomycin
• zileuton
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking methylergonovine?
Follow your prescriber's instructions for how to take this medicine and what to watch for. You will need a follow-up appointment for an exam within a few days. Take it easy if you are not feeling well.If you are female, do not put anything in your vagina: no tampons, no sex, and no douching until the bleeding has stopped and your prescriber allows return to normal activities. Follow your prescriber's directions for your condition, you may need to notify them of any of the following: bleeding increases (example: using more than one pad per hour for 3 to 4 hours); fever > 100 degrees F (38 degrees C) or chills; passing tissue or large clots (save any tissue that you pass for exam by your prescriber); severe abdominal pain or cramping.
Do not take any other medicines without talking to your health care professional first.
If you are going to have any type of surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking methylergonovine.
What side effects may I notice from taking methylergonovine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:Rare:
• abdominal pain or cramping
• blurred vision
• chest pain or tightness
• cold hands or feet
• confusion
• decrease in the amount of urine passed
• difficulty breathing
• fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
• hearing or seeing things that are not really there
• itching
• leg or arm pain or cramps, or pain at the injection site
• seizures
• severe, sudden headache
• swelling of hands, ankles, or feet
• tingling, pain or numbness in feet or hands
• vomiting
• weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• change in taste
• diarrhea
• mild headache
• nausea or mild vomiting
• temporary ringing of ears
Where can I keep my medicine?
This does not apply; you will not be given methylergonovine injection to use at home.Last updated: 7/1/2002
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
