Study Finds Birth Hypoxia May Increase ADHD Likelihood
January 27, 2026
Free CME credits
Both our subscription plans include Free CME/CPD AMA PRA Category 1 credits.
Brand Name :
Duratocin
Synonyms :
carbetocin
Class :
Oxytocic agent
Brand Name :
Duratocin
Synonyms :
carbetocin
Class :
Oxytocic agent
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Intravenous solution
100mcg/ml
Administer 100mcg intravenously or intramuscularly for vaginal delivery.
Administer 100mcg intravenously for cesarean delivery.
Safety and efficacy not established
Refer adult dosing
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 spectrum
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.
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.
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.
Frequency defined
>10%
Abdominal pain
Anemia
Localized warm feeling
Flushing
Nausea
Headache
Tremor
1-10%
Tachycardia
Pruritis
Vomiting
Anxiety
Fever
Dyspnea
Back pain
Chest pain
Chills
Black box warning:
None
Contraindications/caution:
Carbetocin has with several contraindications including hypersensitivity, drug interactions, uterine hyperactivity, minimal effects on blood clotting and platelet aggregation, and potential allergic reactions.
Its interactions with other medications are poorly studied and excessive uterine activity can lead to complications.
Careful monitoring is necessary to ensure safe contractions.
Pregnancy/Lactation
Pregnancy consideration: Whether used vaginally or during a cesarean birth, carbetocin is recommended to prevent postpartum hemorrhage; usage before delivery is not advised.
Lactation: Excretion of the drug in human breast milk is known.
Pregnancy category:
Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.
Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.
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.
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.
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category
Pharmacology:
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.
Pharmacodynamics:
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.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption
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.
Distribution
The volume of distribution is 22 liters indicating the body capacity for its administration.
Its duration of action is 60 minutes when administered intravenously and 120 minutes after intramuscular administration indicating its active duration in the body.
Metabolism
It is primarily metabolized through enzymatic degradation by peptidases and proteases resulting in the formation of smaller peptide fragments.
Elimination and Excretion
The terminal elimination half-life is 33 minutes after IV administration, 55 minutes after IM administration, and 30 minutes peak concentration after intramuscular administration.
Less than 1% of carbetocin is excreted unchanged in urine after intravenous administration with the average being 30 minutes.
Administration:
Intravenous administration
carbetocin is administered intravenously (IV) following the baby’s delivery, either after vaginal delivery or after a cesarean section procedure.
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: carbetocin
Why do we use carbetocin?
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.
It is used to prevent the risk of postpartum hemorrhage which can lead to severe complications if not managed effectively.
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.
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.
Both our subscription plans include Free CME/CPD AMA PRA Category 1 credits.
On course completion, you will receive a full-sized presentation quality digital certificate.
A dynamic medical simulation platform designed to train healthcare professionals and students to effectively run code situations through an immersive hands-on experience in a live, interactive 3D environment.
When you have your licenses, certificates and CMEs in one place, it's easier to track your career growth. You can easily share these with hospitals as well, using your medtigo app.
