Methylergonovine Oral (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed
Methylergonovine belongs to a class of drugs called ergot alkaloids. Methylergonovine is used to prevent or treat bleeding from the uterus that can happen after childbirth or an abortion.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How this medication should be used
Methylergonovine comes as a tablet to take by mouth three or four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take methylergonovine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Special precautions
Before taking methylergonovine:


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to methylergonovine, other ergot alkaloids (Cafergot, Ergostat, Bellergal), or any other drugs.
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other ergot alkaloids and vitamins.
 * tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high blood pressure or blood vessel, heart, kidney, or liver disease.
 * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking methylergonovine, call your doctor.

What to do if you forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Minor side effects
Methylergonovine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:


 * upset stomach
 * vomiting
 * diarrhea
 * headache
 * bad taste in mouth

Severe side effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:


 * seizures
 * chest pain
 * fast heartbeat
 * difficulty breathing
 * dizziness
 * ringing in the ears
 * leg cramps
 * skin rash

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from light and excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription probably is not refillable. If you still have symptoms after you finish the methylergonovine, call your doctor.

Brand names

 * Methergine®
 * Methylergometrine®