carboprost tromethamine at a glance
Medicine class
Prostaglandin F2α analogue and uterotonic
Usual role
Treating postpartum haemorrhage caused by uterine atony when conventional uterotonics have been insufficient
Administration
Deep intramuscular injection by trained healthcare professionals; it must not be injected into a vein
Treatment setting
Specialist obstetric hospital or clinic with continuous medical cover
What is carboprost tromethamine used for?
UK licensed use:
Treatment of postpartum haemorrhage caused by uterine atony when conventional treatment with oxytocic medicines and ergometrine, alone or together, has not worked adequately.
How does carboprost tromethamine work?
Carboprost is a synthetic analogue of prostaglandin F2α. It stimulates the uterine muscle to contract after delivery, helping compress blood vessels where the placenta was attached and reduce further bleeding.
How to take carboprost tromethamine
A doctor or midwife administers carboprost in a specialist obstetric setting. It is given as a deep injection into a muscle and must never be given intravenously. Staff inspect the solution for particles or discolouration before use.
It is not self-administered.
Food does not affect its administration.
Healthcare staff monitor bleeding and the response to treatment.
carboprost tromethamine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Raised body temperature
- Headache
- Flushing, hot flushes or chills
- Cough
- Inflammation of the uterus
- Retained placenta or membranes
Get urgent medical advice
- Breathing difficulty, asthma, wheezing or bronchospasm
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling
- Chest pain, fainting or cardiovascular collapse
- Septic shock
- Uterine rupture
- Thyrotoxic crisis
carboprost tromethamine in pregnancy
Carboprost is contraindicated during pregnancy and must not be used to induce labour. Its UK-licensed role is after delivery because increased uterine tone could harm an embryo or fetus; benzyl alcohol in the formulation can also cross the placenta.
carboprost tromethamine while breastfeeding
It is not known whether carboprost passes into breast milk. Anyone breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed should tell the obstetric team so the limited evidence and immediate clinical circumstances can be considered.
carboprost tromethamine interactions
Relevant medicine interaction:
Oxytocin, ergometrine and other uterotonics
Carboprost can intensify the effects of other uterotonics, so concomitant use is not recommended by the product information.
Common questions about carboprost tromethamine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is carboprost tromethamine used for after childbirth?
It treats heavy bleeding caused by a womb that has not contracted adequately after delivery, when conventional uterotonics have been insufficient.
Is it used to induce labour?
No. The UK product information states that it must not be used for induction of labour.
How is it administered?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.