Indications: prevention of uterine atony after caesarean section

Cautions: hyponatraemia; cardiovascular disease (avoid if severe); migraine; asthma

Contra-indications: pre-eclampsia and eclampsia; epilepsy

Hepatic impairment: manufacturer advises avoid

Renal impairment: manufacturer advises avoid

Side Effects: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, metallic taste; flushing, hypotension, chest pain; dyspnea; headache, tremor, dizziness; anaemia; back pain; pruritus; feeling of warmth, chills; tachycardia and sweating also reported.

Dose: By slow intravenous injection over 1 minute, a single dose of 100 micrograms, as soon as possible after delivery, preferably before removal of placenta.