A long-acting oxytocin-like medicine to prevent bleeding after birth
Carbetocin
A long-acting oxytocin-like medicine given after a baby is born to help the womb contract and prevent heavy bleeding.
What is Carbetocin?
Carbetocin is a long-acting medicine, similar to the natural hormone oxytocin, given just after a baby is born to help the womb contract firmly and prevent heavy bleeding (postpartum haemorrhage). It is given as a single injection by the maternity team, most often after a caesarean. A crucial safety point is that it is only used after the baby has been delivered: it must never be used to start or speed up labour, or at any time before delivery. Common effects include a fast heartbeat, a drop in blood pressure, flushing and feeling sick, which the team watches for.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Carbetocin — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Carbetocin is a medicine very similar to the body's own hormone oxytocin, which makes the womb contract. It is used in maternity care to help the womb tighten up straight after a baby is born, which closes off the blood vessels where the placenta was attached and so prevents heavy bleeding. It is given as a single injection by the maternity team, most commonly after a planned or emergency caesarean and sometimes after a vaginal birth. Its main advantage over plain oxytocin is that one injection lasts longer, so a continuous drip may not be needed.
How it works
After a baby is born, the womb needs to contract firmly to squeeze shut the blood vessels left where the placenta was attached; if it does not, heavy bleeding can follow. Carbetocin acts on the same targets in the womb as natural oxytocin, prompting a strong, sustained contraction. Because it is designed to keep working for a longer time after a single injection, it gives lasting tightening of the womb without needing an ongoing drip. It is given only once the baby has been delivered, when this contracting effect is wanted.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturers.
A medicine used in UK maternity care to help the womb contract after birth, particularly after a caesarean, to prevent heavy bleeding.
Practical use
How to take Carbetocin
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- It is given by the maternity team as a single injection straight after the baby is born, so there is nothing for you to take yourself.
- It is used only once the baby has been delivered; it is never used to start or speed up labour or before delivery.
- The team will check your pulse and blood pressure after it is given, as it can cause a fast heartbeat or a drop in blood pressure.
- Tell the team about any heart problems, epilepsy or pregnancy complications, as these affect whether it is suitable.
- Let the team know if you feel faint, very flushed, breathless or unwell after it is given.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Carbetocin
Advantages
- Helps the womb contract firmly after birth and prevents heavy bleeding (postpartum haemorrhage).
- A single injection lasts longer than plain oxytocin, so a continuous drip is often not needed.
- Particularly useful after a caesarean birth.
Disadvantages
- Can cause a fast heartbeat, a temporary drop in blood pressure, flushing, headache or feeling sick.
- Must never be used to start or speed up labour, or at any time before the baby is delivered.
- Used with care in people with heart problems, epilepsy or certain pregnancy complications.
Practical use
Good to know
The single most important thing to understand about carbetocin is timing: it is given only after the baby has been born, to help the womb contract and prevent bleeding. It must never be used to bring on labour, to speed up labour, or at any point before the baby is delivered, because a strong, lasting contraction at that time would be dangerous. It is given as one injection by the maternity team, so there is nothing for you to take or manage yourself. Common effects soon after it is given include a fast heartbeat, a temporary drop in blood pressure, flushing, headache, feeling sick or tummy pain, and the team monitors your pulse and blood pressure. It is used with care in people with heart problems, certain pregnancy complications or epilepsy, and the team chooses whether it is the right option for you.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- It must never be used during pregnancy or labour before the baby has been born, including to bring on or speed up labour.
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to carbetocin or oxytocin should not be given it.
- It is used with caution, or avoided, in people with significant heart problems, severe high blood pressure of pregnancy, epilepsy or serious liver or kidney problems.
Monitoring
- Checking pulse and blood pressure after the injection, as it can cause a fast heartbeat or low blood pressure.
- Watching how firmly the womb contracts and how much bleeding there is after birth.
- Watching for any allergic-type or breathing reactions.
Side effects
- A fast heartbeat, flushing or a temporary drop in blood pressure soon after it is given.
- Feeling sick, being sick, tummy pain or headache.
- Shivering, sweating or a feeling of warmth.
- Rarely, breathing or chest symptoms, or a serious allergic reaction, which need urgent attention.
Key interactions
- It is used with care alongside other medicines that affect the womb or that cause contractions.
- Some anaesthetic medicines and medicines that affect blood pressure may add to its effects on the heart and blood pressure.
- The maternity team takes your other medicines into account when deciding to use it.
Available as: A solution for injection, given once by the maternity team after birth.
Answers
Carbetocin: frequently asked questions
What is carbetocin used for?
It is given just after a baby is born, often after a caesarean, to help the womb contract firmly and prevent heavy bleeding (postpartum haemorrhage).
Can it be used to bring on or speed up labour?
No. Carbetocin must never be used to start or speed up labour, or at any time before the baby is delivered; it is only used after birth.
How is it given?
It is given as a single injection by the maternity team straight after the baby is born, so there is nothing for you to take yourself.
Why do I feel my heart racing after it?
A fast heartbeat, flushing and a temporary drop in blood pressure are common soon after it is given, which is why the team checks your pulse and blood pressure.
How is it different from oxytocin?
It works in the same way as the natural hormone oxytocin but lasts longer after a single injection, so a continuous drip is often not needed.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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