carbetocin at a glance
Medicine class
Long-acting oxytocin analogue and uterotonic
Usual role
Prevention of postpartum haemorrhage due to uterine atony
Administration
Given by a healthcare professional in a specialist obstetric unit after the baby is delivered
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding does not usually need to be restricted after use
What is carbetocin used for?
Carbetocin is licensed for:
Preventing postpartum haemorrhage caused by failure of the womb to contract adequately after vaginal or caesarean birth.
How does carbetocin work?
Carbetocin binds to oxytocin receptors in the womb muscle. It strengthens contractions after birth, helping the womb compress blood vessels where the placenta was attached. Its action lasts longer than oxytocin.
carbetocin preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 100 micrograms/1 mL
How to take carbetocin
Carbetocin is not taken at home. A healthcare professional gives it after delivery by intravenous or intramuscular injection, as appropriate for the type of birth. Intravenous administration must be slow, under medical supervision in hospital.
Food and drink do not affect its administration.
It must not be mixed with other medicines unless compatibility has been established.
carbetocin side effects
Common or expected effects
- After intravenous use, commonly reported effects include nausea, abdominal pain, headache, tremor, low blood pressure, flushing, itching and feeling warm.
- Other reported effects include vomiting, dizziness, back or chest pain, metallic taste, breathlessness, chills and general pain.
- After intramuscular use, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, headache, dizziness, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, back or chest pain, chills and fever have been reported, but are less frequent.
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including breathing difficulty, swelling, severe light-headedness or loss of consciousness.
- Fast, slow or irregular heartbeat, fainting, chest pain or signs of reduced blood supply to the heart.
- Possible hyponatraemia or water intoxication, with increasing drowsiness, listlessness, headache, seizures or coma.
- Persistent or excessive bleeding despite treatment.
carbetocin in pregnancy
Carbetocin is contraindicated during pregnancy and labour before the baby has been delivered. It must not be used to induce labour because its womb-contracting action persists after administration.
carbetocin while breastfeeding
Small amounts may enter colostrum or breast milk but are expected to be broken down in the infant’s gut. Breastfeeding does not need to be restricted after carbetocin.
carbetocin interactions
Specific interaction studies are limited. Important potential interactions are inferred partly from carbetocin’s similarity to oxytocin.
Ergot alkaloids, including methylergometrine
Combined uterotonic and blood-pressure effects may increase the risk of hypertension or cumulative exposure.
Oxytocin
Use around the same period may produce cumulative uterotonic exposure.
Prostaglandins
They may strengthen carbetocin’s uterine effects; combined use requires careful monitoring.
Common questions about carbetocin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is carbetocin used for after birth?
It helps prevent postpartum haemorrhage caused by the womb failing to contract firmly after delivery.
Is carbetocin used to induce labour?
No. It is contraindicated before the baby is delivered and must not be used to induce labour.
How is carbetocin administered?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.