Carboprost tromethamine (brand name Hemabate) is a strong uterotonic medicine used mainly to stop heavy bleeding after childbirth when standard treatments don’t work. Hospitals use it for postpartum hemorrhage caused by uterine atony and sometimes for second‑trimester pregnancy termination under controlled care. It makes the uterus contract hard, which helps clamp down bleeding fast.
This drug is a prostaglandin F2α analog. That sounds technical, but the simple idea is it triggers powerful uterine contractions and narrows blood vessels in the uterus. Clinically, doctors turn to carboprost when oxytocin and other first‑line measures fail to stop bleeding. Typical hospital practice is a 250 mcg intramuscular shot that can be repeated every 15 to 90 minutes, up to a total cumulative dose (commonly 2 mg, depending on protocols). Only trained clinicians should give it and monitor the patient closely.
Because it’s potent, carboprost is usually reserved for urgent situations in a hospital or birthing center. If you’re a patient or partner, expect close monitoring of vital signs, uterine tone, and bleeding after the injection.
Common side effects are immediate and noticeable: cramping, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flushing, and fever. These symptoms often start soon after the injection and can be intense for a short time. Serious but less common problems include bronchospasm (tight breathing) and changes in blood pressure. Because of the bronchospasm risk, carboprost is not given to people with active asthma or severe reactive airway disease.
Other precautions: people with active cardiac, pulmonary, renal, or liver disease may need different care. Also, it’s not for use outside medical settings — the need for monitoring and possible repeat doses makes hospital administration the standard.
If you or someone near you receives carboprost, speak up about any breathing trouble, chest pain, severe diarrhea, or high fever. These need immediate attention. Mild side effects like cramps and nausea can be treated symptomatically by the medical team.
Finally, carboprost is prescription-only and should never be self-administered. If you have questions about why it’s being used, ask the care team to explain the benefits and risks for your particular situation. Knowing what to expect helps you stay calm and cooperate with the team when rapid action is needed.
If you want more details—like exact dosing limits used by your hospital or how it compares to other uterotonics—ask your clinician or pharmacist. They can give answers tailored to the situation and your health history.
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