What is "ergometrine"

n. (context chemistry English) An ergoline (and lysergamide) derivative, one of the primary ergot and morning glory alkaloids, chemically similar to LSD and used in medicine to facilitate delivery of the placenta and to prevent bleeding after childbirth.

Ergometrine also known as ergonovine, is a medication used to cause contractions of the uterus to treat heavy vaginal bleeding after childbirth. It can be used either by mouth, by injection into a muscle, or injection into a vein. It begins working within 15 min when taken by mouth and is faster in onset when used by injection. Effects last between 45 and 180 minutes.

Common side effect include high blood pressure, vomiting, seizures, headache, and low blood pressure. Other serious side effects include ergotism. It was originally made from the rye ergot fungus but can also be made from lysergic acid. Due to it being possible to make lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) from ergometrine it is regulated.

Ergometrine was discovered in 1932. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system. The wholesale cost in the developing world is between 0.12 and 0.41 USD for an injectable dose and 0.01 USD for a pill as of 2014. In the United States it is about 1.75 USD per dose.