2. WHAT IS METHERGIN
Methergine (methylergonovine) is an ergot
alkaloid that affects the smooth muscle of a
woman's uterus, improving the muscle tone
as well as the strength and timing of uterine
contractions. Methergine is administered in
the postpartum period to help deliver the
placenta and to help control bleeding and
other uterine problems after childbirth.
4. ACTION
Ergot alkaloid that induces rapid, sustained
tetanic uterine contraction that shortens third
stage of labor and reduces blood loss.
Therapeutic Effects
Administered after delivery of the placenta. It
minimizes the risk of postpartal hemorrhage.
6. PHARMACOKINETICS
Absorption: Readily absorbed from GI tract.
Onset: 5–15 min PO; 2–5 min IM; immediate
IV.
Duration: 3 or more h PO; 3 h IM; 45 min IV.
Distribution: Distributed into breast milk.
Metabolism: Slowly metabolized in liver.
Elimination: Excreted mainly in feces, small
amount in urine.
Half-Life: 0.5–2 h.
7. USES
Routine management after delivery of
placenta and for postpartum atony,
subinvolution, and hemorrhage. With full
obstetric supervision, may be used during
second stage of labor.
Active management of third stage of labour
as prophylaxis to excess bleeding following
delivery.
9. CONTRAINDICATION- THERAPEUTIC
Hypersensitivity to ergot preparations
to induce labor
use prior to delivery of placenta
threatened spontaneous abortion
uterine sepsis
Hypertension
Toxemia
lactation.
10. SIDE EFFECT
Nausea,
Vomiting,
Stomach pain,
Diarrhea,
Leg cramps,
Increased sweating,
Skin rash,
Headache,
Dizziness,
Ringing in your ears,
Stuffy nose
Unpleasant taste in your mouth.
11. NURSING IMPLICATIONS
Assessment & Drug Effects
Monitor vital signs (particularly BP) and
uterine response during and after parenteral
administration of methylergonovine until
partum period is stabilized (about 1–2 h).
Notify physician if BP suddenly increases or
if there are frequent periods of uterine
relaxation.
12. Patient & Family Education
Report severe cramping for increased
bleeding.
Report any of the following: Cold or numb
fingers or toes, nausea or vomiting, chest or
muscle pain.
Do not breast feed while taking this drug.
14. ACTION
Oral nonsteroidal estrogen agonist or
antagonist. Induces ovulation in selected
anovulatory women. Lacks androgenic,
antiandrogenic, or progestational effects and
does not appear to effect pituitary-adrenal or
pituitary-thyroid functions. May act by binding
to hypothalamic estrogen receptors,
decreasing their numbers, and by inhibiting
receptor replenishment.
15. THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS
Inhibition of receptor replenishment results in
a false hypoestrogenic state which stimulates
pituitary release of luteinizing hormone (LH),
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and
gonadotropins, leading to ovarian
stimulation. Normal ovulatory function does
not usually resume after treatment or after
pregnancy.
16. USES
Infertility in appropriately selected women
desiring pregnancy whose partners are fertile
and potent.
Ovulation induction
17. UNLABELED USES
Male infertility
Menstrual abnormalities
Gynecomastia
Fibrocystic breast disease
Regulation of cycles in patients using rhythm
method of contraception
Endometrial hyperplasia
Persistent lactation.
19. CAUTIOUS USE
Polycystic ovarian enlargement
Pelvic discomfort
Sensitivity to pituitary gonadotropins
20. ROUTE AND DOSAGE
Infertility
PO First course: 50 mg/d for 5 d; start on 5th
day of cycle following start of spontaneous or
induced bleeding (with progestin) or at any time
in the patient who has had no recent uterine
bleeding
Second course if ovulation: repeat first course
until conception or for 3 cycles
Second course if no ovulation: 100 mg/d for
5 d as above (max: 100 mg/d)
21. ADMINISTRATION
Pretreatment with estrogen is indicated for
the patient who has been hypoestrogenic for
a long time. Estrogen therapy is stopped
immediately before clomiphene therapy
begins.
Each course of therapy should start on or
about the 5th cycle day once ovulation has
been established.
Store at 15°–30° C (59°–86° F) in tightly
capped, light-resistant container.
22. ADVERSE EFFECT
Body as a Whole: Vasomotor
flushes, breast discomfort, abdominal pain,
heavy menses, exacerbation of
endometriosis; mental depression,
headache, fatigue, insomnia, dizziness,
vertigo.
GI: Nausea, vomiting, increased appetite
with weight gain, constipation, bloating.
24. DIAGNOSTIC TEST INTERFERENCE
Clomiphene may increase BSP
retention; plasma
transcortin, thyroxine and sex hormone
binding globulin levels. Also
increases follicle-stimulating and luteinizing
hormone secretion in most patients.
25. PHARMACOKINETICS
Absorption: Readily absorbed from GI
tract.
Metabolism: Metabolized in liver.
Elimination: Excreted primarily in feces in 5
d; the remainder is excreted slowly from
enterohepatic pool or is stored in body fat for
later release.
Half-Life: 5 d.
26. NURSING IMPLICATIONS
Assessment & Drug Effects
Monitor for abnormal bleeding. If it occurs, full
diagnostic measures are crucial. Report it
immediately.
Monitor for visual disturbances. Their occurrence
indicates the need for a complete ophthalmologic
evaluation. Drug will be stopped until symptoms
subside.
If clomiphene is continued more than 1 y, patient
should have an ophthalmologic examination at
regular intervals.
Pelvic pain indicates the need for immediate pelvic
examination for diagnostic purposes.
27. PATIENT &FAMILY EDUCATION
Take the medicine at same time every day to
maintain drug levels and prevent forgetting a
dose.
Missed dose: Take drug as soon as possible. If
not remembered until time for next dose, double
the dose, then resume regular dosing schedule.
If more than one dose is missed, check with
physician.
Incidence of multiple births during clomiphene
use is reportedly increased to 6 times normal
and appears to increase with dose increases.
Patient who is going to respond usually ovulates
4–10 d after last day of treatment.
28. Report these symptoms: hot flushes resembling
those associated with menopause; nausea,
vomiting, headache. Appropriate drug therapy
may be prescribed. Symptoms disappear after
clomiphene is discontinued.
Reported promptly yellowing of eyes, light-
colored stools, yellow, itchy skin, and fever
symptomatic of jaundice.
Stop taking clomiphene if pregnancy is
suspected. Contact physician for a confirmatory
examination.
29. Because of the possibility of light-
headedness, dizziness, and visual
disturbances, do not perform hazardous
tasks requiring skill and coordination in an
environment with variable lighting.
Report promptly excessive weight gain, signs
of edema, bloating, decreased urinary
output.
Do not breast feed while taking this drug.