Drug Groups

approved

Description

An ergot alkaloid with uterine and vascular smooth muscle contractile properties. [PubChem]

Indication

Used to treat postpartum haemorrhage and postabortion haemorrhage in patients with uterine atony.

Pharmacology

Ergonovine belongs to the group of medicines known as ergot alkaloids. These medicines are usually given to stop excessive bleeding that sometimes occurs after abortion or a baby is delivered. They work by causing the muscle of the uterus to contract.

Toxicity

The principal symptoms of overdose are convulsions and gangrene. Other symptoms include bradycardia, confusion, diarrhoea, dizziness, dyspnoea, drowsiness, fast and/or weak pulse, miosis, hypercoagulability, loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting, numbness and coldness of the extremities, pain in the chest, peripheral vasoconstriction, respiratory depression, rise or fall in blood pressure, severe cramping of the uterus, tachycardia, tingling, and unusual thirst.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Hepatic.

Absorption

Absorption is rapid and complete after oral or intramuscular administration.

Half Life

t_{1/2 α}=10 minutes; t_{1/2 β}=2 hours

Elimination

Thought to be eliminated by non-renal mechanisms (i.e. hepatic metabolism, excretion in feces)

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