• Basic Info
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What is this medicine?

ERGONOVINE (er goe NOE veen) is part of a group of medicines called ergot alkaloids. It is used to treat or prevent excessive bleeding after child birth.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• heart disease, shunts
• high blood pressure
• infection
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• poor circulation
• an unusual or allergic reaction to ergonovine, ergot alkaloids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. This medicine may be swallowed whole or melted under the tongue. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, or troleandomycin
• cocaine
• conivaptan
• grapefruit juice
• herbal supplements like ephedra, ma huang
• imatinib
• isoproterenol
• medicines for colds, flu, or breathing difficulties
• medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole
• medicines for migraine headaches like almotriptan, frovatriptan, sumatriptan
• medicines used to induce labor
• midodrine
• nefazodone
• nitrates for chest pain
• other ergot alkaloids like ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, methysergide
• some medicines for HIV

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Follow your doctor's instructions for how to take this medicine and what to watch for. Visit your doctor for a check up as directed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• chest pain
• cold or discolored hands, feet
• dizziness
• fever or chills
• high or low blood pressure
• increased bleeding
• numbness, pain, tingling
• seizure
• stomach cramps, pain
• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in taste
• diarrhea
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• temporary ringing of ears

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Last Updated: April 20, 2009