500 epinephrine, ergometrine maleate
epinephrine or adrenaline (Adrenalin)
Epinephrine and adrenaline are two names for the same drug. It is used for allergic reactions or allergic
shock, for example, allergic shock caused by penicillin. It is also used for severe asthma attacks.
In what forms
does this medicine
come?
How much and
when to take
Ampules for injection:
1 mg in 1 ml
For asthma, moderate allergic
reaction or allergic shock: Inject
½ mg (½ ml) just under the
skin (not into muscle) of the
upper arm. If needed, a second
dose can be given after 20-30
minutes, and a third dose after
another 20-30 minutes (also
give other drugs, see page 545).
Warning
Be careful never to give more than
the recommended amount. Avoid
injecting this into the buttocks, instead
use the back of the upper arm.
Information you
should know
Take the person’s pulse
before injecting. Do not give
more than 3 doses. If the
pulse goes up by more than
30 beats per minute after
the first injection, do not
give another dose.
Side
effects
Fear, restlessness, nervousness,
tension, headaches, dizziness,
increased heart rate.
Signs of
taking too
much
High blood pressure,
fast heart beat, stroke.
ergometrine maleate, methylergonovine maleate
(Anurhage, Ergonovine, Ergotrate, Methergine)
Ergometrine causes contractions of the womb and its blood vessels and is used to control heavy bleeding
after childbirth or an abortion. Ergometrine and methylergonovine are the same drug. After giving this
medicine, get help.
In what forms does this
medicine come?
Tablets: 0.2 mg
For injection: 0.2, 0.25
and 0.5 mg in 1 ml vial
How much and
when to take
For heavy bleeding after
childbirth: After the placenta
has come out, inject 0.2 mg into
muscle, or give 1 tablet (0.2 mg)
by mouth every 2 to 4 hours
for severe bleeding or every
6 to 12 hours for less severe bleeding. Continue
to give until bleeding stops and the womb is hard,
about 48 hours.
For heavy bleeding due to complications after an
abortion: Give an injection of 0.2 mg into muscle,
then give a 0.2 mg pill or an injection every 6 hours
for 24 hours.
Side
effects
Nausea, vomiting,
dizziness, sweating.
Warning
Do not use these drugs to
start labor or make labor
stronger. Never give this
medicine before the baby and
the placenta have come out.
Information you
should know
Do not use this drug
to cause an abortion
because it could kill the
woman before making
her abort. (For abortion,
see Chapter 15).
Other medicines
that may work
oxytocin, misoprostol
Where Women Have No Doctor 2012