Indications: prevention and treatment of post-partum haemorrhage.

Cautions: toxemia, cardiac disease, hypertension, sepsis, multiple pregnancy.

Contra-indications: 1st and 2nd stage of labour, vascular disease, impaired pulmonary, hepatic and renal function. Hypertension.

Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, transient vasoconstriction.

Dose: after delivery of the anterior shoulder or on completion of the third stage of labour, by IM injection, 200 mcg, repeated for up to 5 doses if necessary at intervals of 2-4 hours.

In emergencies, by slow IV injection, 200 mcg over at least 60 second.

During the puerperium, by mouth, 200 mcg 3-4 daily for up to 7 days.