Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Calculators Drugs Pathways AI Dx Donate Get the App
Uterotonic (Ergot Alkaloid)

Ergometrine

Brand names: Syntometrine (combined with oxytocin), Ergometrine Maleate

An ergot alkaloid uterotonic used in obstetrics to prevent and treat postpartum and post-abortal haemorrhage, often combined with oxytocin (as Syntometrine).

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It directly stimulates uterine smooth muscle to produce sustained, tonic contraction, compressing uterine vessels and reducing bleeding.

Prescribing in practice

  • Contraindicated in pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, hypertension and significant cardiovascular disease because of the risk of severe vasoconstriction and dangerous blood-pressure rise.
  • Must not be given before delivery of the baby, and not for induction or augmentation of labour.
  • Use with caution alongside other vasoconstrictors and certain interacting drugs; nausea and vomiting are common after administration.

Monitoring

Monitor blood pressure and uterine tone (and ongoing blood loss) closely around administration.

Counselling the patient

  • Tell the team this is used to control bleeding after birth.
  • Nausea or vomiting may occur shortly after the injection.
  • Report severe headache, chest pain or breathlessness immediately.

Evidence & guidelines

Active management of the third stage of labour with a uterotonic is recommended by NICE to reduce postpartum haemorrhage.

Reference: RCOG Active Management of Third Stage of Labour; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators
Pathways