Oxytocin 10 units is the preferred uterotonic agent for active management of the third stage. It is preferred over other uterotonic drugs as it is effective straight away if administered IV, and within 2 to 4 minutes of administration if given IM. It has minimal side effects and can be used in almost all women (except where there is a history of allergy to oxytocin or carbetocin).
Do not give ergometrine or combined oxytocin/ergometrine (Syntometrine®) to women with pre-eclampsia, eclampsia or high blood pressure because it increases the risk of convulsions and cerebrovascular accidents.
Introduction
ergometrine maleate is one of the ergot alkaloids and was discovered in 1932 and isolated in 1935.
it was originally made from rye ergot fungus
primarily used as a uterotonic agent to induce uterine contraction and reduce uterine bleeding and was a key factor in reducing maternal mortality in the 20th century, although now largely replaced by oxytocin which has less adverse effects