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Oxytocin versus oxytocin-ergometrine
Oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions and milk letdown, while the oxytocin-ergometrine combination adds ergot alkaloid activity to enhance and sustain uterine contractions.
Oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions and milk letdown, while the oxytocin-ergometrine combination adds ergot alkaloid activity to enhance and sustain uterine contractions. Used for Prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, Augmentation of labor.
At a glance
| Generic name | Oxytocin versus oxytocin-ergometrine |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Hadassah Medical Organization |
| Drug class | Uterotonic agent |
| Target | Oxytocin receptor (OXTR); ergometrine acts on alpha-adrenergic and serotonin receptors |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Obstetrics |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Oxytocin binds to oxytocin receptors on uterine smooth muscle, triggering contractions essential for labor progression and postpartum hemostasis. Ergometrine (methylergonovine) provides additional vasoconstriction and sustained uterine contraction through alpha-adrenergic and serotonergic mechanisms, making the combination more effective at preventing postpartum hemorrhage than oxytocin alone.
Approved indications
- Prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage
- Augmentation of labor
Common side effects
- Hypertension
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Coronary vasospasm (ergometrine-related)
- Uterine tetany
Key clinical trials
- Ergometrine Versus Carbetocin to Decrease Blood Loss in Myomectomy (NA)
- Misoprostol Versus Active Management of Labour in CS (PHASE1)
- Carbetocin Versus Syntometrine for Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage After Cesarean Section (PHASE4)
- Carbetocin Versus Oxytocin and Ergometrine for the Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage (NA)
- Carbetocin Versus Syntometrine in Obese Women Undergoing Elective Cesarean (PHASE4)
- Oxytocin And Uterotonic Agent Use For Cesarean Delivery (PHASE4)
- Ergometrine Versus Oxytocin in the Management of Atonic Post-partum Haemorrhage (PPH) in Women Delivered Vaginally (PHASE3)
- Carbetocin Versus Ergometrine in the Management of Atonic Post Partum Haemorrhage (PPH) in Women Delivered Vaginally (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |