Methergine Side Effects
Generic name: methylergonovine
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 19, 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:
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
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
Metabolic
- Frequency not reported: Water intoxication[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
- Frequency not reported: Diarrhea, foul taste, nausea, vomiting[Ref]
Respiratory
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)
References
1. (2010) "Product Information. Methergine (methylergonovine)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals
More about Methergine (methylergonovine)
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Patient resources
- Methergine oral and injection drug information
- Methergine (Methylergonovine Injection) (Advanced Reading)
- Methergine (Methylergonovine Oral) (Advanced Reading)
- Methergine (Methylergonovine Injection)
- Methergine (Methylergonovine Tablets)
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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.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.