Which condition is a contraindication to the use of methylergonovine (Methergine) for postpartum hemorrhage?

Which condition is a contraindication to the use of methylergonovine (Methergine) for postpartum hemorrhage?

• A. Pregnancy-induced hypertension.
• B. Placenta previa.
• C. Gestational diabetes.
• D. Postpartum hemorrhage.

Answer: (A)

Methergine works by causing strong uterine contractions, but it also triggers systemic vasoconstriction. In pregnancy-induced hypertension, the mother already has elevated vascular resistance and a risk of dangerous BP rises. Introducing a drug that constricts blood vessels can push blood pressure up quickly, increasing the risk of hypertensive crisis, stroke, or heart problems. So, pregnancy-induced hypertension is a contraindication to using methylergonovine for postpartum hemorrhage. If hypertension is present, choosing other uterotonics such as oxytocin, misoprostol, or other prostaglandins that don’t carry the same hypertensive risk is preferred. The other conditions listed don’t inherently raise the risk from Methergine in the same way.

Methergine works by causing strong uterine contractions, but it also triggers systemic vasoconstriction. In pregnancy-induced hypertension, the mother already has elevated vascular resistance and a risk of dangerous BP rises. Introducing a drug that constricts blood vessels can push blood pressure up quickly, increasing the risk of hypertensive crisis, stroke, or heart problems. So, pregnancy-induced hypertension is a contraindication to using methylergonovine for postpartum hemorrhage. If hypertension is present, choosing other uterotonics such as oxytocin, misoprostol, or other prostaglandins that don’t carry the same hypertensive risk is preferred. The other conditions listed don’t inherently raise the risk from Methergine in the same way.