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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Who should NOT use this medication?
- Hypersensitivity to ergonovine, methylergonovine, or any ingredient in the formulation.
- Hypertension.
- Toxemia.
- Pregnancy.
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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.
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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
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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Where can I get more information?
More Information
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