Anthropometric Measurements as Predictors of Low Birth Weight Among Tanzanian Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study
November 7, 2025
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Brand Name :
Duratocin
Synonyms :
carbetocin
Class :
Oxytocic agent
Brand Name :
Duratocin
Synonyms :
carbetocin
Class :
Oxytocic agent
Dosage Forms & StrengthsÂ
Intravenous  solutionÂ
100mcg/mlÂ
Administer 100mcg intravenously or intramuscularly for vaginal delivery.
Administer 100mcg intravenously for cesarean delivery.
Safety and efficacy not establishedÂ
Refer adult dosingÂ
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may decrease the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents
may decrease the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents
may decrease the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents
may decrease the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents
may decrease the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may decrease the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents
may decrease the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents
may decrease the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may decrease the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents
may decrease the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents
may decrease the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents
may decrease the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents
may decrease the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
Actions and spectrumÂ
Carbetocin binds to oxytocin receptors on uterine smooth muscle cells and stimulating uterine contractions by promoting calcium influx. This contraction reduces the risk of excessive bleeding by constricting blood vessels and promoting uterine tone. Â
The spectrum of activity primarily focuses on its effects on uterine contractions and its use in preventing postpartum hemorrhage particularly in cesarean section deliveries. It is administered to prevent excessive bleeding after cesarean section deliveries by helping the uterus contract reducing the risk of bleeding and preventing complications. Â
Carbetocin can also be used to manage uterine atony which cause inability of uterus to contract effectively after childbirth which can lead to postpartum hemorrhage.Â
Frequency definedÂ
>10%Â
Abdominal  painÂ
AnemiaÂ
Localized  warm feelingÂ
FlushingÂ
NauseaÂ
HeadacheÂ
TremorÂ
1-10%Â
TachycardiaÂ
PruritisÂ
VomitingÂ
AnxietyÂ
FeverÂ
DyspneaÂ
Back painÂ
Chest painÂ
ChillsÂ
Black box warning:Â
NoneÂ
Contraindications/caution:Â
Carbetocin has with several contraindications including hypersensitivity, drug interactions, uterine hyperactivity, minimal effects on blood clotting and platelet aggregation, and potential allergic reactions. Â
Its interactions with other medications are poorly studied and excessive uterine activity can lead to complications. Â
Careful monitoring is necessary to ensure safe contractions.Â
Pregnancy/LactationÂ
Pregnancy consideration: Whether used vaginally or during a cesarean  birth, carbetocin is recommended to prevent postpartum hemorrhage; usage  before delivery is not advised.Â
Lactation: Excretion of the drug in human breast milk  is known.Â
Pregnancy category:Â
Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies  show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.Â
Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus  in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.Â
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse  effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human  studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.Â
Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of  human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and  used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.Â
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the  risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by  pregnant women.Â
Category N: There is no data available for the drug  under this categoryÂ
Pharmacology:Â
Carbetocin manages postpartum hemorrhage resulting from childbirth. It acts as an analog of oxytocin agonisting at peripheral oxytocin receptors in the myometrium. It prevents uterine atony after elective caesarean section delivery under epidural or spinal anesthesia.Â
Pharmacodynamics:Â
Carbetocin stimulates uterine contractions by targeting oxytocin receptors in smooth muscle of the uterus enhancing rhythmic contractions by increasing frequency and boosting uterine tone with a longer duration of action.Â
Pharmacokinetics:Â
AbsorptionÂ
Its onset of action is 1.2 ± 0.5 minutes and its bioavailability is 77% when administered intramuscularly and indicating the dose remains intact in the systemic circulation.Â
DistributionÂ
The volume of distribution is 22 liters indicating the body capacity for its administration. Â
Its duration of action is 60 minutes when administered intravenously and 120 minutes after intramuscular administration indicating its active duration in the body.Â
MetabolismÂ
It is primarily metabolized through enzymatic degradation by peptidases and proteases resulting in the formation of smaller peptide fragments.Â
Elimination and ExcretionÂ
The terminal elimination half-life is 33 minutes after IV administration, 55 minutes after IM administration, and 30 minutes peak concentration after intramuscular administration. Â
Less than 1% of carbetocin is excreted unchanged in urine after intravenous administration with the average being 30 minutes.Â
Administration:Â
Intravenous administrationÂ
carbetocin is administered intravenously (IV) following the baby’s delivery, either after vaginal  delivery or after a cesarean section procedure.Â
Patient information leafletÂ
Generic Name: carbetocin
Why do we use carbetocin?Â
Carbetocin helps in preventing or controls the excessive bleeding after cesarean section. It is particularly useful in risk of uterine bleeding due to decreased contractions. Â
It is used to prevent the risk of postpartum hemorrhage which can lead to severe complications if not managed effectively.  Â
It helps to maintain uterine tone, which is the sustained contraction of the uterine muscle after childbirth and is crucial for controlling bleeding and preventing complications related to postpartum hemorrhage. Â
In selected vaginal deliveries where there is a risk of postpartum hemorrhage due to insufficient uterine contractions carbetocin is sometimes used as an alternative to oxytocin with its prolonged duration of action compared to oxytocin.Â
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