What is this medicine?
METHYLERGONOVINE (meth il er goe NOE veen) is one of a group of medicines known as ergot alkaloids. It is used to contract the uterus at the end of child birth. It is also used to prevent or to treat 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 or tightness
- confusion
- fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
- fever or chills
- hallucinations
- increased bleeding
- leg or arm pain or cramps
- passing tissue or large clots
- seizures
- swelling of hands, ankles, or feet
- tingling, pain or numbness in feet or hands
- vomiting
- unusually tired or weak
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
- stomach cramps
- 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?
This medicine is for injection into a muscle or infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
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?
This does not apply.
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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
- grapefruit juice
- imatinib
- medicines for colds, flu, or breathing difficulties
- medicines for fungal infections like itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole
- medicines used to induce labor
- medicines used to treat migraines like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, or zolmitriptan
- midodrine
- nefazodone
- other ergot alkaloids like ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, or methysergide
- some medicines for high blood pressure or chest pain
- some medicines for the treatment of HIV infection or AIDS
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
- clotrimazole
- fluconazole
- fluoxetine
- fluvoxamine
- zileuton
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?
See your doctor for a follow up visit as directed.
Do not use tampons, have sex, or use douches until the bleeding has stopped and your doctor allows you to return to normal activities.
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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:
- high blood pressure
- infection
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- an unusual or allergic reaction to methylergonovine, 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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