Methergine Side Effects

Generic name: methylergonovine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 26, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Methergine Side Effects associated with methylergonovine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Methergine.

Applies to methylergonovine: oral tablet.

Other dosage forms:

• injection solution

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits while you are taking this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. This medicine may cause contraction of the uterus and cause you to give birth early.

This medicine may increase your chance of having a heart attack. This is more likely to occur if you have diabetes, high cholesterol, or if you smoke or are overweight. Call your doctor right away if you have chest pain or discomfort, nausea or vomiting, pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, or sweating while using this medicine.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Methergine

Along with its needed effects, methylergonovine (the active ingredient contained in Methergine) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking methylergonovine:

More common side effects

• abdominal pain
• headache
• increased blood pressure

Rare side effects

• blood in the urine
• change in skin color
• chest pain or discomfort
• difficult or labored breathing
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• hives
• lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
• pain, tenderness, or swelling of the foot or leg
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• slow or fast heartbeat
• skin rash
• sweating
• vomiting

Incidence not known

• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fainting
• inability to speak
• seizures
• severe or sudden headache
• slurred speech
• temporary blindness
• weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe

Other side effects of Methergine

Some side effects of methylergonovine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Rare side effects

• continuous ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
• cramps in the legs
• diarrhea
• foul taste
• increased sweating
• nausea
• stuffy nose

For healthcare professionals

Applies to methylergonovine: injectable solution, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported adverse reaction is hypertension.

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Hypertension, hypotension, palpitations, acute myocardial infarction, transient chest pains, arterial spasm (coronary and peripheral), bradycardia, tachycardia
• Postmarketing reports: Ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, angina pectoris, atrioventricular block^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Headache, dizziness, seizure
• Postmarketing reports: Cerebrovascular accident, paraesthesia^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Thrombophlebitis^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Hematuria, abdominal pain associated with uterine contractions^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Water intoxication^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Diarrhea, foul taste, nausea, vomiting^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Dyspnea, nasal congestion^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Hallucinations

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Diaphoresis, rash^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Leg cramps

Other

• Frequency not reported: Tinnitus

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Anaphylaxis (no proven causal relationship)

See also:

Further information

Methergine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer