Generic name: methylergonovine (oral and injection) [ meth-il-er-GON-o-veen ]
Brand name: Methergine
Drug class: Uterotonic agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 4, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Methergine?

Methergine is used just after a baby is born, to help deliver the placenta (also called the "afterbirth"). It is also used to help control bleeding and to improve muscle tone in the uterus after childbirth.

Methergine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Methergine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Methergine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears);

• chest pain, sweating, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

• a seizure;

• numbness, tingling, or cold feeling in your fingers or toes;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or

• sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, problems with vision or speech, pain or swelling in one leg.

Common side effects of Methergine may include:

• increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears);

• a seizure; or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use Methergine during your pregnancy. This medication is to be used only after delivery of your baby.

Do not breast-feed within 12 hours after using Methergine. If you use a breast pump during this time, throw out any milk you collect. Do not feed it to your baby.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Methergine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• high blood pressure;

• toxemia of pregnancy; or

• if your baby has not yet been born.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver or kidney disease; or

• risk factors for coronary artery disease (such as diabetes, menopause, smoking, being overweight, having high blood pressure or high cholesterol, having a family history of coronary artery disease).

You should not use Methergine during your pregnancy. Methergine is to be used only after delivery of your baby.

Do not breast-feed within 12 hours after using Methergine. If you use a breast pump during this time, throw out any milk you collect. Do not feed it to your baby.

How should I use Methergine?

Methergine injection is given into a muscle or into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection while you are in the delivery room and for a short time after your baby is born, if needed.

Methergine oral is a tablet taken by mouth 3 or 4 times daily for up to 1 week after your baby is born.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Methergine should not be used for longer than 1 week unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, stomach pain, throbbing headache, numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes, cold feeling, weak or shallow breathing, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while using Methergine?

Grapefruit may interact with Methergine and cause side effects. Avoid consuming grapefruit products.

What other drugs will affect Methergine?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect Methergine, especially:

• anesthetics--halothane and methoxyflurane; or

• a beta blocker--atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, nebivolol, propranolol, sotalol, and others.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect Methergine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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