RCOG GTG 52

PPH Drug Ladder

Uterotonics in postpartum haemorrhage

1st line

  • Oxytocin 5 units slow IV, then 40 units in 500 mL Hartmann's over 4 h.

2nd line

  • Ergometrine 500 mcg IM/slow IV (AVOID if HTN, pre-eclampsia, cardiac disease).

3rd line

  • Carboprost (Hemabate) 250 mcg IM every 15 min (max 8 doses). AVOID in asthma.

Adjuncts

  • Tranexamic acid 1 g IV within 3 h of PPH (WOMAN trial).
  • Misoprostol 800 mcg rectal/sublingual if no other options.

Common mistakes

  • Ergometrine in hypertension → hypertensive crisis, stroke.
  • Carboprost in asthma → bronchospasm.
  • Delaying TXA beyond 3 h — reduced benefit after that window.

For educational use only

Not medical advice. Verify dosing against the BNF and your local trust guidelines before prescribing.