Carbetocin

Carbetocin is a derivative of oxytocin used in obstetrics to prevent uterine atony and postpartum hemorrhage after caesarean section with epidural or spinal anesthesia.

Mechanism of action
Carbetocin is an agonist of peripheral oxytocin receptors but is 50% more potent than endogenous or exogenous oxytocin.

Carbetocin also inhibits the release of endogenous oxytocin. It inhibits feedback from the uterus to the hypothalamus and thus blocks central oxytocin. Carbetocin has no effect on the uterus outside of pregnancy because oxytocin receptors are not present.

Contraindications
Carbetocin must not be used for labor induction, during pregnancy, in case of preeclampsia or eclampsia and severe cardiovascular diseases.

Related Articles

 * Oxytocin
 * Drug affecting uterine activity