Methylergonovine maleate

Methylergometrine, the active ingredient of methylergometrine maleate, is a semi-synthetic equivalent of the naturally occurring alkaloid ergonovine. It belongs to the class of drugs termed oxytocics, which stimulate contraction of the smooth muscle fibers of the uterus. A potent oxytocic, methylergometrine is used to prevent or control excessive bleeding resulting from vaginal childbirth or abortion. It is also used for routine management after delivery of the placenta, postpartum atony (loss of tone or tension), and subinvolution (failure of the uterus to return to its normal size following childbirth). Under full obstetric supervision, it may be administered in the second stage of labor following delivery of the anterior shoulder. The onset of action depends on mode of administration (intravenous injectable, immediate; intramuscular injectable, 2-5 minutes; oral administration, 5-10 minutes).