What are the nursing considerations for Methergine?

Do not breast-feed within 12 hours after taking methylergonovine. Methylergonovine may pass into breast milk in small amounts and could affect a nursing baby. In some cases, you will need to use this medication for up to 1 week after your baby is born.

What should you check before administering Methergine?

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration.

  1. Intramuscularly. 1 mL, 0.2 mg, after delivery of the anterior shoulder, after delivery of the placenta, or during the puerperium.
  2. Intravenously.
  3. Orally.

What is the role of Methergine?

This medication is used after childbirth to help stop bleeding from the uterus. Methylergonovine belongs to a class of drugs known as ergot alkaloids. It works by increasing the rate and strength of contractions and the stiffness of the uterus muscles. These effects help to decrease bleeding.

How do you administer Methergine?

1 mL, 0.2 mg, after delivery of the anterior shoulder, after delivery of the placenta, or during the puerperium. May be repeated as required, at intervals of 2-4 hours. 1 mL, 0.2 mg, administered slowly over a period of no less than 60 seconds (See WARNINGS.)

What are the nursing considerations when preparing an oxytocin infusion?

What are nursing considerations for oxytocin? Monitor any signs of fetal distress or asphyxia, such as decreased fetal heart rate, arrhythmias, meconium discharge, or decreased or absent fetal movements. Report these signs to the physician or nursing staff immediately.

When should Methergine not be given?

Methylergonovine use is contraindicated in patients with hypertension. Intravenous administration of methylergonovine should not be used routinely because of the possibility of inducing sudden hypertensive crisis and cerebrovascular accidents (stroke).

Is Methergine safe while breastfeeding?

Safe During Breastfeeding: A small amount of methylergonovine is passed to baby in breast milk. Women can take the drug for up to one week after birth. During this time not enough of the drug passes to the baby in breast milk to cause negative side effects.

Why can Methergine be given IV?

Investigators hypothesize that intravenous methylergonovine reduces the time to adequate uterine tone (the tone at which the uterus is adequately contracted to prevent atony after delivery of neonate), decreases the total dose of methylergonovine to contract the uterus, and therefore produces fewer side effects of …

What are the nursing considerations of methylergonovine ( methergine )?

What are the Nursing Considerations of Methylergonovine (Methergine) Nursing Pharmacology Considerations? can cause hypertension, cramps, nausea, vomiting, dyspnea monitor BP, heart rate, uterine response assess calcium levels – effectiveness ↓ with hypocalcemia

How often should a nursing woman take methergine?

Recommended dosage is 1 tablet (0.2 mg) 3 or 4 times daily. At this dosage level a small quantity of drug appears in mothers’ milk. Caution should be exercised when Methergine is administered to a nursing woman. Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Geriatric Use

How much methylergonovine maleate is in methergine injection?

Methergine (methylergonovine maleate) is a semi-synthetic ergot alkaloid used for the prevention and control of postpartum hemorrhage. Methergine is available in sterile ampuls of 1 mL, containing 0.2 mg methylergonovine maleate for intramuscular or intravenous injection and in tablets for oral ingestion containing 0.2 mg methylergonovine maleate.

Why is methergine used as a postpartum drug?

Because the smooth muscle of the uterus is especially sensitive to this drug ,it is used postpartally to stimulate the uterus to contract in order to decrease blood loss by clamping off uterine blood vessels and to promote the involution process. In addition, the drug has vasoconstrictive effect on all blood vessels,especially the larger arteries.