Uterotonic Medications: Oxytocin, Methylergonovine, Carboprost, Misoprostol

Abstract

Uterine atony is a common cause of primary postpartum hemorrhage, which remains a major cause of pregnancy-related mortality for women worldwide. Oxytocin, methylergonovine, carboprost, and misoprostol are commonly used to restore uterine tone. Oxytocin is the first-line agent. Methylergonovine and carboprost are both highly effective second-line agents with severe potential side effects. Recent studies have called into question the effectiveness of misoprostol as an adjunct to other uterotonic agents, but it remains a useful therapeutic in resource-limited practice environments. We review the current role these medications play in the prevention and treatment of uterine atony.

Keywords: Carboprost; Methylergonovine; Misoprostol; Oxytocin; Postpartum hemorrhage; Uterine atony; Uterotonic agent.