Carbetocin: Difference between revisions

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'''Carbetocin''' is a synthetic [[oxytocin]] analogue. It is an [[obstetric]] drug used to control [[postpartum hemorrhage]] and [[bleeding]] after giving birth, particularly following [[Caesarean section]].
== Carbetocin ==


==Pharmacology==
[[File:Carbetocin.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Carbetocin]]
Carbetocin primarily acts on the [[oxytocin receptor]], a [[G-protein coupled receptor]], in the [[uterus]]. It stimulates the [[smooth muscle]] tissue of the uterus, causing contractions. This helps to reduce bleeding after childbirth.


==Medical uses==
'''Carbetocin''' is a synthetic [[oxytocin]] analogue used primarily in the prevention of [[postpartum hemorrhage]] (PPH) following [[cesarean section]]. It is a [[peptide]] and functions as a [[uterotonic]], promoting uterine contractions to reduce bleeding after childbirth.
Carbetocin is used to prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth, a condition known as postpartum hemorrhage. It is particularly useful following Caesarean section, where the risk of postpartum hemorrhage is higher.  


==Side effects==
== Mechanism of Action ==
Common side effects of carbetocin include [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[abdominal pain]], [[flushing]], and [[itching]]. In rare cases, it can cause severe [[allergic reactions]].


==Contraindications==
Carbetocin acts on the [[oxytocin receptor]]s in the [[myometrium]], the smooth muscle layer of the [[uterus]]. By binding to these receptors, carbetocin stimulates uterine contractions, which help to compress the blood vessels and reduce blood loss. This action is similar to that of natural oxytocin, but carbetocin has a longer duration of action.
Carbetocin should not be used in patients with hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its components. It is also contraindicated in patients with significant [[cardiovascular disease]] due to the risk of [[tachycardia]] and [[hypertension]].


==History==
== Clinical Use ==
Carbetocin was first synthesized in the 1980s and has been used in clinical practice since the early 1990s. It is currently available in over 90 countries worldwide.
 
Carbetocin is administered as a single intravenous or intramuscular injection immediately after the delivery of the baby during a cesarean section. Its use is particularly beneficial in settings where the risk of PPH is high, and it provides a longer-lasting effect compared to oxytocin, reducing the need for continuous infusion.
 
== Pharmacokinetics ==
 
Carbetocin has a rapid onset of action, with uterine contractions occurring within minutes of administration. Its effects can last for several hours, which is advantageous in managing PPH. The drug is metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily in the urine.
 
== Side Effects ==
 
Common side effects of carbetocin include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and headache. In rare cases, it may cause [[hypotension]] or [[tachycardia]]. As with any medication, allergic reactions are possible, though they are uncommon.
 
== Comparison with Oxytocin ==
 
While both carbetocin and oxytocin are used to prevent PPH, carbetocin offers the advantage of a longer duration of action, which can be particularly useful in resource-limited settings where continuous monitoring and infusion of oxytocin may not be feasible.
 
== Related Pages ==


==See also==
* [[Oxytocin]]
* [[Oxytocin]]
* [[Postpartum hemorrhage]]
* [[Postpartum hemorrhage]]
* [[Caesarean section]]
* [[Cesarean section]]
* [[Uterotonic]]


[[Category:Drugs]]
[[Category:Obstetrics]]
[[Category:Obstetrics]]
[[Category:Gynecology]]
[[Category:Peptides]]
[[Category:Pharmacology]]
[[Category:Pharmacology]]
{{medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 03:53, 13 February 2025

Carbetocin[edit]

Chemical structure of Carbetocin

Carbetocin is a synthetic oxytocin analogue used primarily in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) following cesarean section. It is a peptide and functions as a uterotonic, promoting uterine contractions to reduce bleeding after childbirth.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Carbetocin acts on the oxytocin receptors in the myometrium, the smooth muscle layer of the uterus. By binding to these receptors, carbetocin stimulates uterine contractions, which help to compress the blood vessels and reduce blood loss. This action is similar to that of natural oxytocin, but carbetocin has a longer duration of action.

Clinical Use[edit]

Carbetocin is administered as a single intravenous or intramuscular injection immediately after the delivery of the baby during a cesarean section. Its use is particularly beneficial in settings where the risk of PPH is high, and it provides a longer-lasting effect compared to oxytocin, reducing the need for continuous infusion.

Pharmacokinetics[edit]

Carbetocin has a rapid onset of action, with uterine contractions occurring within minutes of administration. Its effects can last for several hours, which is advantageous in managing PPH. The drug is metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily in the urine.

Side Effects[edit]

Common side effects of carbetocin include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and headache. In rare cases, it may cause hypotension or tachycardia. As with any medication, allergic reactions are possible, though they are uncommon.

Comparison with Oxytocin[edit]

While both carbetocin and oxytocin are used to prevent PPH, carbetocin offers the advantage of a longer duration of action, which can be particularly useful in resource-limited settings where continuous monitoring and infusion of oxytocin may not be feasible.

Related Pages[edit]