{{Short description|Combination drug}} {{cs1 config|name-list-style=vanc|display-authors=6}} {{Drugbox | verifiedrevid = 442286101
<!-- Combo data --> | type = combo | component1 = Oxytocin | class1 = Hypothalamic hormone | component2 = Ergometrine | class2 = Ergot alkaloid
<!-- Clinical data --> | tradename = | pregnancy_AU = <!-- A / B1 / B2 / B3 / C / D / X --> | pregnancy_US = | pregnancy_category = | legal_AU = <!-- Unscheduled / S2 / S3 / S4 / S5 / S6 / S7 / S8 / S9 --> | legal_CA = <!-- / Schedule I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII --> | legal_UK = <!-- GSL / P / POM / CD / Class A, B, C --> | legal_US = <!-- OTC / Rx-only / Schedule I, II, III, IV, V --> | legal_status = Rx-only | routes_of_administration = Intramuscular injection
<!-- Identifiers --> | CAS_number_Ref = {{cascite|correct|??}} | CAS_number = 37209-62-4 | ATC_prefix = | ATC_suffix = | PubChem = 11979741
<!-- Chemical data --> }}
'''Oxytocin/ergometrine''' (trade name '''Syntometrine''') is an obstetric combination drug.<ref name="Gallos_2025">{{cite journal | vauthors = Gallos ID, Yunas I, Devall AJ, Podesek M, Tobias A, Price MJ, Oladapo OT, Coomarasamy A | title = Uterotonic agents for preventing postpartum haemorrhage: a network meta-analysis | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 4 | issue = 4 | article-number = CD011689 | date = April 2025 | pmid = 40237648 | pmc = 12002006 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD011689.pub4 }}</ref> The components are synthetically produced oxytocin, a human hormone produced in the hypothalamus, and ergometrine, an alpha-adrenergic, dopaminergic and serotonin (5-HT<sub>2</sub>) receptor agonist.
Both substances cause the uterus to contract. An injection of Syntometrine is given in the third stage of labor, just after the birth of the child to facilitate delivery of the placenta<ref name="netdoctor">[http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100002520.html NetDoctor.co.uk > Syntometrine] Last updated 15.9.2005</ref> and to prevent postpartum hemorrhage<ref name="netdoctor" /> by causing smooth muscle tissue in the blood vessel walls to narrow, thereby reducing blood flow.
== Contraindications ==
Syntometrine should not be used in patients with:
* Allergy to one or any of its ingredients<ref name="netdoctor" /> * First stage of labor<ref name="netdoctor" /> * Second stage of labor before crowning of the baby's head<ref name="netdoctor" /> * Severe kidney disorders<ref name="netdoctor" /> * Severe liver disorders<ref name="netdoctor" /> * Severe heart disorders<ref name="netdoctor" /> * Vascular diseases<ref name="netdoctor" /> * Severe hypertension<ref name="netdoctor" /> * Pre-eclampsia or eclampsia<ref name="netdoctor" /> * Sepsis<ref name="netdoctor" />
It should be used with caution in patients with:
* Decreased kidney function<ref name="netdoctor" /> * Decreased liver function<ref name="netdoctor" /> * Mild heart disease<ref name="netdoctor" /> * Mild hypertension<ref name="netdoctor" /> * Porphyria<ref name="netdoctor" />
== Side effects ==
Possible side effects include:
* Nausea and vomiting<ref name="netdoctor" /><ref name="betterhealth" /> * Abdominal pain,<ref name="netdoctor" /> feeling different than labor pains<ref name="betterhealth" /> * Headache<ref name="netdoctor" /><ref name="betterhealth" /> * Dizziness<ref name="netdoctor" /><ref name="betterhealth" /> * Skin rashes,<ref name="netdoctor" /> itching or hives<ref name="betterhealth" /> * Swelling of face, lips, tongue or other body parts<ref name="betterhealth" /> * Hypertension<ref name="netdoctor" /> * Arrhythmias (abnormal heart beats)<ref name="netdoctor" /><ref name="betterhealth" /> * Chest pain<ref name="netdoctor" /><ref name="betterhealth" /> * Fall in blood pressure (causing dizziness and lightheadedness)<ref name="netdoctor" /> * Difficulty in breathing<ref name="netdoctor" /><ref name="betterhealth" /> * Circulatory shock<ref name="netdoctor" />
A health care provider should be notified immediately if there are any side effects. They may be signs of allergy or of too much fluid associated with high doses or long infusions.<ref name="betterhealth">[http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcmed.nsf/pages/nvcmetin/$File/nvcmetin.pdf The Better Health Channel website by the Victorian Government, Australia > Syntometrine(R)] This leaflet was prepared in March 2009</ref>
== Drug interactions ==
Prostaglandins increase the effect of oxytocin and vice versa. The contractions should be carefully monitored if oxytocin is given after a prostaglandin dose.
Syntometrine may enhance the blood pressure raising effect of vasoconstrictors (medicines given to constrict the blood vessels).
Some inhaled anaesthetics used for general anesthesia, such as cyclopropane and halothane, may reduce the effect of oxytocin and ergometrine. There may also be an increased risk of a drop in blood pressure and abnormal heart beats if oxytocin is given with these general anesthetics.
== References == {{Reflist}}
{{Oxytocics}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Oxytocin ergometrine}} Category:Uterotonics Category:Combination drugs