How Does Ergometrine Work?

It is used to help prevent and control bleeding after childbirth. Ergometrine acts on three different types of receptors found in the walls of the blood vessels and in the uterus. When these receptors are stimulated by ergometrine they cause the blood vessels to constrict and the uterus to contract.

What is the action of ergometrine?

Ergometrine inhibits prolactin secretion and in turn can reduce lactation. Uterine stimulation occurs within 7 minutes of intramuscular injection and almost immediately following intravenous injection. The sustained uterine contractions produced by ergometrine are effective in controlling uterine haemorrhage.

How long does it take for Syntometrine to work?

Following IM administration, the latent period for the occurrence of the uterine response is considerably shorter with Syntometrine (about 2.5 minutes) than with ergometrine given alone (about 7 minutes), whereas the uterotonic effect of Syntometrine lasts for around 3 hours compared with only 0.5 to 1 hour when ...