Methylergonovine
Methylergonovine is an ergot alkaloid medication primarily used to prevent and treat postpartum hemorrhage by promoting powerful uterine contractions. It is typically administered after delivery of the placenta to help the uterus contract and reduce bleeding. This medication is reserved for use in the immediate postpartum period and is not used during pregnancy or labor.
An ergot alkaloid uterotonic used to prevent and treat postpartum hemorrhage by promoting uterine contractions.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- G02AB01
- RxNorm
- 6883
- Generic
- Methylergonovine
- Class
- atc-g02
- Brands
- Methergine
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- injection, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 0.2mg every 6 to 12 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6 to 12 hours as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- not typically indicated for pediatric patients
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- N/A
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.2mg every 6 to 12 hours
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6 to 12 hours with caution
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid
avoid use during first trimester unless life-threatening situation; may cause uterine contractions and potential fetal harm
fetal monitoring if use unavoidable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid unless benefits clearly outweigh risks; monitor for uterine activity
uterine and fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
typically reserved for postpartum hemorrhage; avoid before delivery unless critical
close maternal and fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
small amounts excreted in breast milk; monitor infant for vomiting, diarrhea, or cardiovascular effects; consider pumping and discarding milk for 12-24 hours after dose
monitor infant for ergot symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonatesnot recommended
not indicated for use in neonates; contraindicated due to lack of safety data and potential for severe vasoconstriction
n/a
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose if hypertension or cardiovascular disease present
use with caution due to increased sensitivity to ergot effects; monitor blood pressure closely; avoid in patients with coronary artery disease, hypertension, or peripheral vascular disease
regular blood pressure and cardiovascular monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno specific adjustment; use with caution
use with caution; monitor renal function and blood pressure; may accumulate in renal impairment
monitor blood pressure and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeconsider dose reduction
use with caution; metabolized in liver; dose reduction may be necessary in moderate to severe impairment; contraindicated in hepatic impairment if severe
monitor liver function and blood pressure
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
Postpartum hemorrhage treatment approval timeline
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Common uses
Obstetric use for uterine atony
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic properties
Prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, especially during the third stage of labor after placental delivery. May also be used for management of subinvolution of the uterus and uterine atony.
Acts primarily as a partial agonist at alpha-adrenergic receptors, causing vasoconstriction, but its main therapeutic effect comes from direct stimulation of uterine smooth muscle, resulting in sustained, powerful contractions that compress bleeding vessels at the placental site.
Contraindicated in patients with hypertension, preeclampsia, or sensitivity to ergot alkaloids. Should not be given before delivery of the placenta. Administered orally, intramuscularly, or intravenously (IV use requires caution due to risk of severe hypertension). May cause nausea, vomiting, headache, or hypertension. Use is typically limited to the immediate postpartum period.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy