506 magnesium sulfate, medroxyprogesterone acetate, methyl ergonovine
magnesium sulfate
Magnesium sulfate is the best medicine to prevent convulsions in pregnant women with eclampsia.
In what forms
does this
medicine come?
Injections of
10%,12.5%, 25%,
or 50% solution.
Information you
should know
How much
and when to
take
For convulsions:
Inject 10 g into muscle.
Who should
not take this
medicine?
Women with kidney
problems should not
be given this drug.
Warning
Only use this drug if a woman’s
blood pressure is over 160/110. After
giving, continue to check her blood
pressure. Too much of this medicine
can slow down or stop her breathing!
Signs of
taking
too much
Other medicines
that may work
Injecting a large amount
needs a big needle and
may be uncomfortable.
You might want to split
the dose in half and
give 2 smaller shots,
one in each hip.
Sweating, low blood
pressure, weakness,
problems breathing.
For convulsions: diazepam
medroxyprogesterone acetate
(Amen, Curretab, Cycrin, Depo-Provera, Megestron, Provera)
CAUTION
Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a chemical form of progesterone, a hormone produced naturally in a woman’s body.
It can be used to treat irregular bleeding caused by changing hormones, especially around the time of menopause. For
more information, see Chapter 8 “Growing Older.” For family planning, see Chapter 13.
In what forms does this
medicine come?
Tablets:
2.5, 5, or 10 mg
Liquid for injection:
150 or 400 mg per ml
Who should
not take this
medicine?
Women with hepatitis,
or cancer of the breast
or cervix should not
take this medicine.
How much and
when to take
For heavy bleeding:
Take 10 mg once a day for
10 days. If bleeding continues,
take for 10 more days.
Warning
If bleeding continues after 20 days
of treatment, see a health worker.
It could be a serious problem.
methyl ergonovine (Methergine)
Methyl ergonovine causes contractions of the womb and its blood vessels and is used to control heavy
bleeding after childbirth. It is the same drug as ergometrine and ergonovine. See ergometrine, page 500.
Where Women Have No Doctor 2012