| Drug and Dosage | Use | Action | Assessment: Side Effects |
|---|
| Ergonovine maleate (Ergotrate)—PO, IM, IV 0.2 mg (gr 1/320) | Postabortal or postpartum hemorrhage; promotes involution after delivery of placenta | Stimulates uterine contractions for 3 hr or more | Nausea, vomiting; occasional transient hypertension, especially if given IV; cramping |
| NURSING IMPLICATIONS: Store in cool place; monitor maternal BP and pulse; do not use in labor |
| Methylergonovine maleate (Methergine)—PO 0.2 mg; IM, IV 0.2 mg (gr 1/320) | Postpartum hemorrhage, after delivery of placenta | Stimulates stronger and longer contractions than ergonovine maleate (Ergotrate) | Nausea, vomiting; transient hypertension, dizziness, tachycardia; cramping |
| NURSING IMPLICATIONS: Do not give if mother is hypertensive; do not use if solution is discolored; do not use in labor |
| Oxytocin (Pitocin, Syntocinon)—IV 2 mL (15 units) in 250-mL solution; 1 mL IM after delivery | Stimulates rhythmic contractions of uterus | Induces labor; augments contractions; prevents or controls postpartum atony; antidiuretic effect | Tetanic contractions, uterine rupture; cardiac arrhythmias, FHR deceleration |
| NURSING IMPLICATIONS: Contraindicated if cervix is unripe, in cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD), abruptio placentae, and cardiovascular disease; monitor: FHR, contractions, maternal BP, pulse, I&O watch for signs of water intoxication with prolonged IV use; drug of choice in presence of hypertension; never use undiluted; discontinue if tetanic contractions occur; antidote: propranolol |