PABAL SOLUTION FOR INJECTION
CARBETOCIN
What it does
Carbetocin is a synthetic hormone used to help with childbirth and certain reproductive issues.
Commonly used for: helping contractions during childbirth, reducing bleeding after delivery
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Food and Drugs Authority · fetched 2026-04-18 08:37:30 · updated 2026-09-15 04:00:11
About this medicine
Carbetocin is a synthetic hormone used to help with childbirth and certain reproductive issues.
What it treats
- helping contractions during childbirth
- reducing bleeding after delivery
How it works
Carbetocin works by mimicking a natural hormone in the body that helps the uterus contract, making it useful during and after childbirth.
Who it's for
This medication is for women who are giving birth or have just given birth.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Carbetocin
BNF-referencedCarbetocin is a synthetic analogue of oxytocin, primarily utilized in obstetrics to prevent uterine atony and control postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean sections. It enhances uterine contractions and increases uterine tone, facilitating the expulsion of the placenta and reducing the risk of excessive bleeding. Carbetocin is administered via slow intravenous injection, making it effective in acute situations following delivery.
Indications
- Prevention of uterine atony after cesarean section
Dosage
Adults: 100 micrograms for 1 dose, to be given over 1 minute, administered as soon as possible after delivery, preferably before removal of placenta.
Mechanism of action
Carbetocin binds to oxytocin receptors present on the smooth musculature of the uterus, resulting in rhythmic contractions of the uterus, increased frequency of existing contractions, and increased uterine tone. The oxytocin receptor content of the uterus is very low in the non-pregnant state and increases during pregnancy, reaching a peak at the time of delivery.
Pharmacodynamics
Carbetocin is primarily used to control postpartum hemorrhage, which is excessive bleeding that can occur after childbirth. Its pharmacological action mirrors that of oxytocin, as it triggers uterine contractions that are essential for the prevention of uterine atony, a condition where the uterus fails to contract effectively after delivery.
Pharmacokinetics
Carbetocin is administered intravenously, allowing for rapid onset of action. The drug is metabolized in the liver, and its clearance may be affected in patients with hepatic impairment. Specific pharmacokinetic parameters such as half-life and volume of distribution are not detailed in the provided resources, thus further literature may be necessary for a comprehensive understanding.
Contra-indications
- Eclampsia
- Epilepsy
- Pre-eclampsia
Adverse effects
- Anxiety
- Chest pain
- Chills
- Dizziness
- Feeling hot
- Flushing
- Headache
- Hypotension
- Nausea
- Tachycardia
- Hyponatraemia
- Hyperglycaemia
Precautions
- Asthma
- Cardiovascular disease (avoid if severe)
- Migraine
- Intra-uterine growth restriction
- Caution in patients with hepatic impairment
- Caution in patients with renal impairment
Pregnancy
Carbetocin is indicated for the prevention of uterine atony following caesarean section and is used in the postpartum period.
Breast-feeding
Information regarding the safety of carbetocin during breastfeeding is not specifically provided.
Storage
Store below 25°C. Protect from light.
Formulations
- {'name': 'Solution for injection', 'available_strengths': '100 micrograms/ml'}
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: Carbetocin
PubChem CID 16681432Molecular formula: C45H69N11O12S
Mechanism of action
Carbetocin binds to oxytocin receptors present on the smooth musculature of the uterus, resulting in rhythmic contractions of the uterus, increased frequency of existing contractions, and increased uterine tone. The oxytocin receptor content of the uterus is very low in the non-pregnant state, and increases during pregnancy, reaching a peak at the time of delivery.
Pharmacodynamics
Carbetocin is a drug used to control postpartum hemorrhage, bleeding after giving birth. It is sold under the trade name Duratocin. It is an analogue of oxytocin, and its action is similar to that of oxytocin; it causes contraction of the uterus.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.