Carbetocin
About Carbetocin
Carbetocin is a prescription injection used to prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth, a condition known as postpartum haemorrhage. It is specifically designed to help the uterus contract and return to its normal size after a Caesarean section or vaginal delivery. By encouraging these essential contractions, it helps protect mothers from serious post-delivery complications.
Because this medicine is used to prevent immediate complications following delivery, it is typically given as a single injection right after the birth. It is injected directly into a muscle or vein by a healthcare provider, meaning food intake does not affect how it works. Following delivery, focusing on rest, staying hydrated, and eating a nutrient-rich diet can further support your body's natural recovery process.
While receiving Carbetocin, you may experience mild side effects like nausea, a feeling of warmth, abdominal pain, or a temporary headache. These effects are usually temporary, but you must contact your healthcare team immediately if you experience severe symptoms like chest pain or a very rapid heartbeat.
Do not take this if you have a history of heart, liver, or kidney disease, or if you suffer from epilepsy. This medication is not suitable for everyone and must never be given before the baby is delivered.
It can interact with other medicines, especially those that affect blood pressure, so it is vital to discuss your full medical history with your doctor. If you are breastfeeding or have questions about post-delivery care, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalised guidance.
Uses of Carbetocin
Medicinal Benefits
Carbetocin helps prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth by helping the uterus contract effectively. It provides important support during the immediate post-delivery period and contributes to a safer maternal recovery.
- Helps Prevent Heavy Bleeding After Delivery: By promoting strong uterine contractions, Carbetocin helps reduce blood loss after childbirth and supports the normal recovery of the uterus.
- Acts Quickly When Needed: Given as an injection, Carbetocin works rapidly during the critical hours after delivery when controlling bleeding is most important.
- Simplifies Post-Delivery Care: Because it is often used as a single-dose treatment, Carbetocin can help make immediate postpartum management more straightforward while healthcare providers continue to monitor overall recovery and maternal well-being.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication, to improve effectiveness.
- Carbetocin will be administered by a healthcare professional.
- Do not self-administer it.
Storage
Side Effects of Carbetocin
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling unusually warm or flushing
- Mild headache
- Itchy skin
- Abdominal pain or cramping
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):
- Chest pain or pressure
- A rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- Severe, sudden, or persistent headache
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Ensure the solution is completely clear, colourless, and free of any visible particles before it is injected.
- This injection must only be given by a qualified healthcare professional in a hospital setting; do not attempt to self-inject.
- Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you have a history of high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, or heart disease before receiving this medicine.
- Your medical team should monitor your blood pressure and heart rate closely after you receive the injection.
- Inform your doctor if you experience any sudden breathing difficulties or severe chest discomfort after the injection.
Drug Interactions
- May cause dangerously high blood pressure if used alongside other medicines that narrow blood vessels (vasoconstrictors).
- May interact with certain inhalational anaesthetics used during surgery, which can weaken uterine contractions or affect your heart rate.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Carbetocin. Please consult the doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeCarbetocin is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, inform the doctor before receiving Carbetocin.
Driving
not applicable-
Liver
cautionIf you have a history of liver impairment, inform the doctor before receiving Carbetocin.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a history of kidney impairment, inform the doctor before receiving Carbetocin.
Children
unsafeCarbetocin is not recommended for children as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Focus on eating iron-rich foods, such as spinach, lean meats, and legumes, to help your body rebuild red blood cells after delivery.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay well-hydrated, which supports recovery and helps with milk production if you choose to breastfeed.
- Get as much physical rest as possible and avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous activities to let your uterine muscles and body heal.
- Eat fibre-rich foods like whole grains and fruits to prevent constipation, which can place unnecessary strain on your pelvic area during recovery.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Postpartum haemorrhage: It is a condition in which excessive bleeding occurs following childbirth. This can lead to a drop in blood pressure. Symptoms include vaginal bleeding that does not stop. Loss of tone in uterine muscles and bleeding disorder could be the causes of postpartum haemorrhage.
Uterine atony: Uterine atony refers to a weak and soft uterus after childbirth. It occurs when the uterine muscles do not contract enough after childbirth. This could lead to blood loss after delivery.
FAQs
Carbetocin is used to treat postpartum haemorrhage (excessive bleeding after childbirth), particularly when caused by uterine atony, a condition in which the uterus does not contract properly after delivery.
This medicine is injected by a healthcare professional either slowly into a vein or into a muscle immediately after the baby is delivered. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about the procedure.
Do not take this if you are still pregnant. It is only designed to be injected after the delivery of the baby has completed. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Small amounts may pass into breast milk, but it is generally considered safe. However, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist to confirm the best timing for breastfeeding after receiving this injection.
A mild headache can be a common side effect, but if it is severe or does not go away, tell your healthcare team immediately. Talk to your doctor to manage any discomfort.
Yes, it must be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C and protected from light. Hospital staff will handle the storage of this medication. Talk to your pharmacist if you need more details.
In some cases, it can affect blood pressure, especially if you already have a history of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia. Your medical team will monitor your blood pressure closely. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Author Details
