Methergin used in childbirth has dangerous side effects
Pronounced: METH-er-jin
Generic name: Methylergonovine maleate This Url's Reference is: www.lotusbirth.com/doc/FEB2003Lotusbirth-635.htm
full Report on Methergine is at:
http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/met1256.htm
Many midwives and other medical professsionals believe this drug should be given when a woman is in
child birth. Most pregnant women are NOT
factualy informed any drug given them has side effects and can cause an allergic reaction to herself
or her child.
Why is this drug prescribed?
Methergine, a blood-vessel constrictor. It is believed and is thus given to prevent or control excessive bleeding following childbirth. It works by causing the uterine muscles to contract, thereby reducing the mother's blood loss. (Facts, the torn blood vessels in childbirth are sealed by the platelets, releasing the hormone serotonin. If the mother's body is low in platelets, possibly by being given blood thinners, she may bleed excessively regardless of given methergine, or oxytocin, or syntocinon, pitocin.
Methergine comes in tablet and injectable forms.
Most important fact about this drug
Some blood-vessel disorders and certain infections make the use of Methergine dangerous. This is witheld information for any person to make an informed deciison. What kind of blood disordes make this drug dangerous. This web link directs, "Make sure your doctor is aware of any medical conditions you may have. "
How should you take this medication?
Take Methergine tablets exactly as prescribed.
--If you miss a dose...
Do not take the missed dose at all and do not double the next one. Instead, go back to your regular
schedule.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your
doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it
is safe for you to continue taking Methergine.
The most common side effect is
high blood pressure
, which may cause a headache or
even a seizure.
In some people, however,
Methergine may cause
low blood pressure.
Less common or rare side effects may include:
Bad taste, blood clots, blood in urine, chest pains (temporary), diarrhea, difficult or labored breathing, dizziness, edema, hallucinations, heart attack, leg cramps, nasal congestion, nausea, palpitations (throbbing heartbeat), ringing in the ears, sweating, vomiting
Why should this drug not be prescribed?
You should not take Methergine if you are allergic to it, if you are pregnant, or if you have
high blood pressure or toxemia (poisons circulating in
the blood).
Special warnings about this medication
It may be dangerous to take Methergine
if you have an infection, certain blood vessel disorders, or a liver or kidney problem.
Inform your doctor if you
think you have any such condition.
Your doctor will use intravenous Methergine only when necessary, because of the possibility of a
sudden rise in blood pressure or a stroke.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
If Methergine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either may be increased, decreased,
or altered. It is especially important to check
with your doctor before combining Methergine with the following:
Other blood-vessel constrictors such as Other ergot-derived medications such as Ergotrate
EpiPen
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Methergine should not be taken during pregnancy. Methergine appears in breast milk. Although
no specific information is available about
possible effects of Methergine on a nursing baby, the general rule is that a mother who is breastfeeding
should not take any drug unless it is
clearly needed.
Recommended dosage
The usual dose is 1 tablet (0.2 milligram) 3 or 4 times daily after childbirth for a maximum of 1 week.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect symptoms of a Methergine overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of Methergine overdose may include:
Abdominal pain, coma, convulsions, elevated blood pressure, hypothermia (drop in body temperature), lowered blood pressure, nausea, numbness, slowed breathing, tingling of the arms and legs, vomiting
________________________________________________________________
Other Links of Interest:
http://www.aims.org.uk/jnlsum98d.htm
Please visit this web link for a
Petition to Protect Baby and the Mother, Too
:
www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/102580814
A medical web site
that may answer your questions is at:
www.cordclamping.com
Table of Contents is at:
www.lotusbirth.com/_cont260.htm
(See Placenta, Fetus Circulation, Fetus Development, T. Peltonen, Mavis Gunther,
Dr. Sarah Buckley's Declaration and her Ode to My Placenta.
References of studies with comments is at:
www.lotusbirth.com/FEB2003Lotusbirth-110.htm
Home page:
www.lotusbirth.com
Contact or to give comments: dyoung@pris.ca
Originally Posted: April 9, 2004
