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ergonovine maleate - oral

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GENERIC NAME: ERGONOVINE MALEATE - ORAL (er-GO-no-veen MAL-ee-ate)

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used after childbirth to help stop bleeding after delivery of the placenta (afterbirth). Ergonovine maleate belongs to a class of drugs known as ergot alkaloids. It works by increasing the stiffness of the uterus muscles after the last stage of labor. This effect decreases bleeding.This medication should not be used to start or speed up labor.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, beginning after delivery, usually 2 to 4 times a day for 2 days or as directed by your doctor. Tablets may be swallowed whole or placed under the tongue to dissolve.Take this medication exactly as directed. Do not increase the dose, take it more often, or continue taking this for longer than prescribed. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens at any time.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, dizziness, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Severe cramping of the uterus is a sign that this medication is working. Tell your doctor immediately if the cramping is too painful.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: increased thirst, ringing in the ears, weakness, diarrhea, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, tingling, twitching of the arms/legs, dilated pupils, decreased amount of urine, confusion.Tell your doctor immediately if this rare but very serious side effect occurs: seizures.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.